Tie-Rod Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda MPV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the tie-rod end for damage and boot cracks.
- Replace it as necessary.
Inspect the ball joint for looseness.
- Replace the tie-rod end as necessary.
Rotate the ball joint five times.
Set the tie-rod end to a vice.
Set the SST and a pull scale to the ball joint, and measure the rotation torque.
- If not within the specification, replace the tie-rod end.
Fig 1: Measuring Tie-Rod End Rotational Torque
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Rotation Toque

0.4-2.5 N.m {3.5-26.0 kgf.cm, 3.1-22.5 in.lbf}

Pull Scale Reading

3.5-25.4 N {0.35-2.60 kgf, 0.8-5.7 lbf}