Tie rod inspection, Inspection – Spicer Dana Spicer Steer Axles - Service Manaul User Manual

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Inspection

Tie Rod Inspection

1. Make sure the boot completely covers the ball joint

of the tie rod end with no cracks or tears. If there is
damage to the boot, the entire tie rod end must be
replaced.

2. Make sure the tie rod nut is torqued to the proper

specifications and the cotter pin is correctly installed
in the nut. If the cotter pin is missing, the tie rod nut
could become loose and steering will be affected.

3. The threaded portion of each tie rod end must be

inserted completely in the cross tube split. This is
essential for adequate clamping. Replace compo-
nents if this fit cannot be obtained.

4. Where zerk fittings are necessary, make sure they

are installed correctly. (Non-greaseable tie rod ends
do not require zerk fittings.)

5. To protect the cross tube, use only your hands or a

pipe wrench with jaw protectors to rotate the cross
tube. Make sure the cross tube will turn toward the
front and the back of the vehicle. Replace both of the
tie rod ends if they will not turn in both directions.

6. If the cross tubes or clamps are bent, cracked or

damaged, replacement is necessary. Do not attempt
to repair a cross tube as this could result in damage
to the axle.

7. Proper positioning of clamp relative to beam and

correct orientation of nut and bolt are required to
ensure clearance at high wheel cuts.

Note: Tie rods end inspections should always be performed

prior to lubrication. If the inspection is performed after
lubrication, there may be a false indication that the tie
rod end is fully operative.

1 - Cracked or torn boot requires entire tie rod end replace-

ment

1 - Steering knuckle
2 - Missing cotter pin

The threaded portions of both

tie rod ends must be completely

inserted in cross tube split

Threaded end is not completely

inserted in cross tube split

CORRECT

INCORRECT

Equal threads exposed on

left and right tie rod ends

Boot does not have purging capibilities.
All grease purging takes place through
pureable grease fitting.

Purgeable

grease fitting