Tie-Rod End Ball Joint Boot Replacement

Special Tools Required 

Bearing Driver Attachment, 36 07965-SA50500

1. Disconnect the tie-rod end ball joint from the knuckle (see step 19 on STEERING GEARBOX REMOVAL ).
2. Remove the tie-rod end from the rack end (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL ).
3. Remove the ball joint boot from the tie-rod end, and wipe the old grease off the ball pin.
4. Pack the lower area of the ball pin (A) with fresh multipurpose grease.
   Fig 1: Packing Lower Area Of Ball Pin With Fresh Multipurpose Grease

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. Pack the interior of the new ball joint boot (B) and lip (C) with fresh multipurpose grease.

   Note these items when installing new grease:

   • Keep grease off the boot mounting area (D) and the tapered section (E) of the ball pin.
   • Do not allow dust, dirt, or other foreign materials to enter the boot.
6. Install the ball joint boot (A) using the bearing driver attachment. The boot must not have a gap at the boot installation sections (B). After installing the boot, check the ball pin tapered section for grease contamination, and wipe it if necessary.
   Fig 2: Installing Ball Joint Boot Using Bearing Driver Attachment

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
7. Install the tie-rod end to the rack end (see STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAUL ).
8. Connect the tie-rod ball joint to the knuckle (see step 33 on STEERING GEARBOX INSTALLATION ).
9. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).