NOTE: The grease seal will accept the grease
pressure without damaging the seal, and is de-
signed to have grease pumped out through it
during lubrication. Even if grease leaks out
around the top or bottom plate, continue pump-
ing until new grease is seen at the seal on the
bushing opposite the grease fitting.
When lubricating knuckle pin bushings after the IM
maintenance interval, first wipe the lube fittings
clean. Then apply multipurpose chassis grease until
new grease is seen at the grease seal on the bush-
ing opposite the fittings.
33–02 Tie-Rod End Lubricating
and Inspecting
IMPORTANT: DOT roadside tie-rod assembly
replacement criteria specifies that if tie-rod end-
play is 1/8 inch (3 mm) or greater, measured on
the road, the vehicle must be taken out of ser-
vice immediately. If less than 1/8 inch (3 mm),
the vehicle does not have to be taken out of
service but a major out-of-service inspection
and maintenance must be scheduled as soon
as possible.
1. For any Detroit or Meritor axle that requires lubri-
cation of the tie-rod ends, wipe the grease fit-
tings clean, then pump multipurpose chassis
grease, NLGI Grade 1 (6% 12-hydroxy lithium
stearate grease) or NLGI Grade 2 (8% 12-
hydroxy lithium stearate grease), into the tie-rod
ends until all used grease is forced out and fresh
grease is seen at the ball stud neck. See
Fig. 4.
NOTE: Inspect the tie-rod end boots for cracks,
wear, or damage. If a boot is cracked, worn, or
damaged, replace the tie-rod assembly.
2. Inspect the tie-rod ends, as follows.
2.1 Shake the cross-tube. Movement or
looseness between the tapered shaft of
the ball and the cross-tube socket mem-
bers means that the tie-rod end assembly
must be replaced.
2.2 The threaded portion of the tie-rod end
assembly must be inserted all the way
into the cross-tube split for adequate
clamping. See
Fig. 5. Replace the parts if
this cannot be done. For instructions, see
the axle manufacturer’s service manual.
2.3 Check the tie-rod end nut and clamp nut
torques. For Meritor axles, tighten the tie-
rod end nut 100 lbf·ft (136 N·m), and
tighten the clamp nut 40 to 55 lbf·ft (54 to
75 N·m). For Detroit axles, see
Table 1
for tie-rod end nut torque specifications
09/06/96 f320032a
A
1
1
Pump lubricant into each grease fitting until fresh grease
comes out at A.
1. Grease Fitting
Fig. 3, Meritor Axle Grease Fittings
06/12/2012 f330273
1
2
NOTE: No grease should emit from the tie-rod boot. If
grease emits from the tie-rod boot, the boot is dam-
aged.
1. Grease Fitting 2. Boot
Fig. 4, Grease Fitting and Boot (Detroit axle shown)
Front Axle33
Recreational Vehicle Chassis Maintenance Manual, June 201533/2
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