Lubricating and Inspecting the Tie-Rod End
Important: DOT roadside tie-rod assembly replacement criteria specifies that if tie-rod endplay is 1/8 inch (3 mm) or greater, measured on the road, the vehicle must be taken out of service 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.
- For any Detroit or Meritor axle that requires lubrication
of the tie-rod ends, wipe the grease fittings 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..
Note: No grease should emit from the tie-rod boot. If grease emits from the tie-rod boot, the boot is damaged.
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Grease Fitting
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Boot
Fig. 1, Grease Fitting and Boot (Detroit axle shown)
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- Inspect the tie-rod ends, as follows.
- Shake the cross-tube. Movement or looseness between the tapered shaft of the ball and the cross-tube socket members means that the tie-rod end assembly must be replaced.
- 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.. Replace the parts if this
cannot be done. For instructions, see the axle manufacturer's service
manual.
Important: The tie-rod end threads must be visible throughout the entire length of the split.
Note: Pinch bolt not shown to provide clarity.
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Cross-Tube Split
Fig. 2, Tie-Rod End Adjustment
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- 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 for
tie-rod end nut torque specifications and Table for tie-rod end
clamp nut torque specifications.
Table 1, Detroit Axle Tie-Rod End Nut
Thread
Torque: lbf·ft (N·m)
5/8–16
60 to 115 (81 to 156)
5/8–18
60 to 115 (81 to 156)
3/4–16
90 to 170 (122 to 230)
7/8–14
160 to 300 (217 to 407)
Table 1, Detroit Axle Tie-Rod End Nut
Table 2, Detroit Axle Tie-Rod End Clamp Nut
Thread
Torque: lbf·ft (N·m)
1/2–13
35 to 45 (47 to 61)
5/8–11
40 to 60 (54 to 81)
5/8–18
50 to 64 (73 to 87)
3/4–10
155 to 175 (210 to 237)
Table 2, Detroit Axle Tie-Rod End Clamp Nut
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.