Steering System (Power Steering): Inspection: Tie-Rod

1. Check the tie-rod and tie-rod ends for bends, scratches or other damage.
   Fig 1: Identifying Tie-Rod End And Tie-Rod

   Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Confirm that the connections of knuckle ball joints for play, and then check for damage on dust boots and free play of ball studs. If castle nut is loose, retighten it to the specified torque, then tighten further up to a maximum of 60° until the cotter pin hole is aligned.

   Tightening torque: 

   27 N.m (2.75 kgf-m, 19.9 ft-lb) 

3. Check the lock nut on the tie-rod end for tightness. If it is loose, retighten it to the specified torque.

Tightening torque: 

85 N.m (8.7 kgf-m, 62.7 ft-lb)