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Home >> Mazda >> 2002 >> Tribute LX, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 371 (Power Steering System) >> Steering Gear And Linkage Inspection >> Tie-rod End Inspection

Tie-rod End Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Inspect the tie-rod end for damage and boot cracks. Replace it if necessary.
  2. Inspect the ball joint for looseness. Replace the tie-rod end if necessary.
  3. Rotate the ball joint five times.
  4. Measure the rotation torque of the ball joint using the SST  and a pull scale.

    Rotation torque 

    0.4-2.7 N.m {3.5-27.5 kgf.cm, 3.1-23.8 in.lbf} 

    Pull scale reading 

    3.4-25.5 N {0.35-2.60 kgf, 0.8-5.7 lbf} 

    Fig 1: Measuring Rotation Torque Of Ball Joint
    G03644960Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  5. If not within the specification, replace the tie-rod end.