Section 14: STEERING
Section 14 Updated Oct.2014 X3-45 Commuter PA1593 DOB 2400-2489 13
11.4 TIE ROD
FIGURE 21: TIE ROD
MAINTENANCE
Tie rod ends (ball joint) are
grease fittings for pressure lubrication. These
grease fittings should be serviced every 6,250
miles (10 000 km) or every 3 months
whichever comes first.
To prevent corrosion from forming around the
ball pin, remove the old grease bead and
assure sufficient grease is appli
the old grease and fill the joint and dust seal.
Good quality lithium-base mineral grease NLGI
No. 2 like Shell Retinax LX are recommended.
11.5 DRAG LINK AND TIE ROD BALL JOINTS
INSPECTION FOR CORROSION
Inspection of ball joints is important. Damaged
sealing boots, salt and climatic conditions can
cause loss of the corrosion protection coating
applied at time of manufacturing.
MAINTENANCE
Inspect drag link end and tie rod end ball joints
for corrosion once a year.
1. Carefully clean the sealing boot or dirt seal
contact area to ensure that no contaminants
can get under the sealing boot or dirt seal
during the following inspection procedure.
2. Use an appropriate inspection tool (e.g.
spatula with cut out) to push up (sealing
boot) or down (dirt seal) the seal (without
damaging it) until ball pin surface is visible.
Degrease the ball pin surface and inspect
carefully.
3. If there is corrosion of the ball pin or the
sealing boot has deteriorated through ageing
or is damaged, replace the ball joint.
4. If there is corrosion of the steering arm or tie
rod arm area which is in contact with the
sealing boot or dirt seal, clean and eliminate
all surface irregularities.
5. If there is no corrosion or damage to the
sealing boot or dirt seal, smear the steering
arm and tie rod arm with Lithium grease and
push seal back into its properly seated
position.
When dismantling tie rod or drag link, ensure
that no damage is caused to the sealing boots,
dirt seals or ball joint housings.
11.6 DROP TYPE BALL JOINT
11.6.1 Drop Type Ball Joint End Play
If end play exceeds 0.047” (1.2 mm),
readjustment is necessary.
Remove protective cap, using a suitable tool i.e.:
a 1” x 1/8” x 9” long flat bar, tighten adjuster
piece fully home (SOLID) locating thrust cup
onto ball pin.
Still with tool located on adjuster piece, back off
carefully (LEAST AMOUNT) until adjuster piece
cotter pin is allowed to pass through body, then
remove tool.
Reinstall protective cap.
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