Tie Rod Ends, Ball Joint Sockets & Bellows: Reassembly

Clean an inspect threads on rack and in ball housing socket. On front wheel drive models, lubricate inner seat with multi-purpose lubricant.
NOTE: On front wheel drive models, ensure ball housing is firmly seated in housing socket and on tie rod ball. Back of inner seat and end face of rack must be wiped clean of any grease to avoid a hydraulic lock and improper assembly.
Thread tie rod assembly onto end of rack. Install ball housing torque adapter tool on ball housing. Locate point of locking screw in large hole midway along housing and tighten firmly.
NOTE: Use care not to place point into tapped set screw hole.
Hold rack with adjustable wrench on flat of rack teeth, as near the end as possible. If pinion has not been removed, use care not to load pinion during tightening.
Tighten ball housing by turning adapter tool with a 1/2" drive torque wrench. Rotate tie rod at least 10 times before measuring articulation effort.
NOTE: Do not force tie rod against limits of articulation travel.
If tie rod movement effort is not within specifications, replace with a new tie rod assembly. On front wheel drive models, install set screw in ball housing and tighten.
On rear wheel drive models, insert spiral retaining pin into small hole on ball housing, tapping lightly until pin is seated.
On all models, apply lubricant to undercut in tie rod where bellows will be clamped. Install small bellows clamp. Install large bellows clamp on right side only.
Place gear in vertical position with pinion end up. Fill housing with proper amount of lubricant. Install large bellows clamp on left side. Install jam nuts and tie rod ends on tie rods.