Inner Tie Rod: Removal

CAUTION:

The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear causing premature damage.

CAUTION:

Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.

CAUTION:

The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water and contamination trapped in the grease will degrade the life of the joint.

CAUTION:

If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location.

Coil spring suspension vehicles

Remove the wheel and tire assembly. See WHEEL AND TIRE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .
Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.

Fig 1: Loosening Tie-Rod End Jam Nuts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove and discard the cotter pins and nuts.

Fig 2: Removing Cotter Pins And Nuts - With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Do not damage the tie-rod end boot when installing the special tool.
Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod ends.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Tie-Rod Ends
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- Note the number of times the tie-rod ends turn for assembly reference.
Remove the tie-rod ends.

Fig 4: Removing Tie-Rod Ends
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the tie-rod end jam nut.

Fig 5: Removing Tie-Rod End Jam Nut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie-rod boot to hold the steering gear.
Remove the inner and outer front suspension steering ball stud boot seal clamps.

Fig 6: Removing Inner And Outer Front Suspension Steering Ball Stud Boot Seal Clamps
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal.

Fig 7: Removing Front Suspension Steering Ball Stud Boot Seal
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 21 mm (0.82 in) crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the front wheel spindle tie-rod.
NOTE:
- An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH front wheel spindle tie-rod.
Using the special tool (1), remove the front wheel spindle tie-rod (2).

Torsion bar suspension vehicles

Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.

Fig 8: Loosening Tie-Rod End Jam Nuts - With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering gear. See STEERING GEAR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - 4X2 .
NOTE:
- Note the number of times the tie-rod ends turn for assembly reference.
Remove the tie-rod ends.

Fig 9: Removing Tie-Rod Ends
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie-rod boot to hold the steering gear.
Remove the tie-rod end jam nuts and outer front suspension steering ball stud boot seal clamps.

Fig 10: Removing Tie-Rod End Jam Nuts And Outer Front Suspension Steering Ball Stud Boot Seal Clamps
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the inner front suspension steering ball stud boot seal clamps and the boot seals.

Fig 11: Removing Inner Front Suspension Steering Ball Stud Boot Seal Clamps And Boot Seals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 21 mm (0.82 in) crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the front wheel spindle tie-rod.
NOTE:
- An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH front wheel spindle tie-rod.
Using the special tool (1), remove the front wheel spindle tie-rod (2).

Fig 12: Removing Front Wheel Spindle Tie-Rod Using Special Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

All vehicles

CAUTION:

Thoroughly remove any dirt or abrasive material that is present. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Replace the parts as necessary.