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Home >> Mazda >> 2003 >> Tribute LX, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 293 (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 2003 Mazda Protege5 and 2003 Mazda Protege. 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 as necessary.
  2. Inspect the ball joint for looseness.
    • Replace the tie-rod end as necessary.
  3. Rotate the ball joint 5 times. 
  4. Measure the rotation torque of the ball joint using the SST  and a pull scale.
    • If not within the specification, replace the tie-rod end.

    Rotation torque 

    0.35-2.54 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, 0.78-5.72 lbf} 

    Fig 1: Inspecting Tie-Rod End
    G01914584Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.