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  20 ).
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: Identifying Ball Pin, Tie-Rod Ball Joint Boot And Lip Grease Applying Area

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. Pack the interior of the new tie-rod 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  29 ).
9. Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).