Disassembly and Assembly

DISASSEMBLY 

1. Loosen inner socket lock nuts and remove outer sockets.
   CAUTION:

   To prevent damage, hold outer socket across flats using suitable tool while loosening inner socket lock nut.

2. Remove the boot clamps from the boots, then remove the boots from the inner sockets and gear housing assembly.
   CAUTION:

   • Do not reuse the large-diameter boot clamps.
   • Do not damage the boots, inner socket or gear housing assembly. If they are damaged, replace them.
3. Remove the inner sockets.
4. Remove bolt, cap and insulator from gear housing assembly.

INSPECTION AFTER DISASSEMBLY 

Boot 

Check boot for tears, cracks and deformation. Replace if necessary.

Gear Housing Assembly 

Check gear housing assembly for dents, cracks or damage. Replace as an assembly if necessary.

OUTER SOCKET AND INNER SOCKET 

1. Ball joint swinging torque
   • Hook Tool at measuring point and pull Tool. Make sure that Tool reads specified value when ball stud and inner socket start to move. Replace outer socket or inner socket if measured values are outside specifications.

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     Measuring point of outer socket (1)	: Ball stud upper side (A)
     Measuring point of inner socket (2)	: Point (B) as shown, above

     Tool number

     : - (NI-44372)

     Swinging torque

     : Refer to Steering Gear .

2. Ball joint rotating torque
   • Make sure that reading is within the following specified range using suitable tool (A). Replace outer socket if reading is outside specifications.

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     Rotating torque

     : Refer to Steering Gear .

3. Ball joint axial end play
   • Apply an axial load of 490 N (50 kg, 111 lb) to ball stud. Measure the amount of stud movement using suitable tool and make sure that value is within specification. Replace outer socket (1) or inner socket (2) if measured value is outside specification.

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     Axial end play

     : Refer to Steering Gear .

ASSEMBLY 

1. Install inner sockets and tighten to specification.
2. Install large end of boot (1) to steering gear housing.

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3. Apply silicone grease between the inner socket and small end of boot (2). Install small end of boot to inner socket boot mounting groove.
   CAUTION:

   To prevent boot deformation or damage during toe-in adjustment, apply silicone grease between the inner socket and small end of boot.

4. Install small boot clamp.
5. Install large boot clamp using Tool.
   CAUTION:

   Do not reuse boot clamp.

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   Tool number

   : KV40107300 (NI-51751)

6. Install the lock nuts and outer sockets to the inner sockets.
7. Thread the outer sockets onto the inner sockets to the specified length (L) and a minimum thread depth of 18 threads, then tighten the lock nuts to the specified torque. Refer to "Disassembly and Assembly". Reconfirm that the tie-rod length (L) is within specification.

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   Maximum inner socket length (L)

   : Refer to Steering Gear .

   CAUTION:

   • To prevent damage, hold outer socket across flats using suitable tool while tightening inner socket lock nut.
   • Adjust toe-in after this procedure. The length achieved after toe-in adjustment is not necessarily the above value.
   • Inspect to make sure no boot deformation has occurred during toe-in adjustment. Adjust boot as necessary.