Tie Rod End Ball Joint Breakaway Torque Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Required Special Tools:

MB990326: Preload Socket
MB991897 or MB992011: Ball Joint Remover

CAUTION:

Loosen the self-locking nut (tie-rod end connection) from the ball joint, but do not remove here. Use the special tool.
To prevent the special tool from dropping off, suspend it with a rope.

Install special tool MB991897 or MB992011 as shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool MB991897 Or MB992011
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Turn the bolt and knob to make the special tool jaws parallel, then hand-tighten the bolt. After tightening, check that the jaws are still parallel.
NOTE: To adjust the special tool jaws to be parallel, set the orientation of the knob as shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Turning Bolt And Knob
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Unscrew the bolt to disconnect the ball joint.
Move the ball joint stud several times and install the nut on the stud. Using the special tool MB990326, measure the ball joint breakaway torque.
Standard value: 2.9 N.m (26 in-lb) or less

Fig 3: Measuring Ball Joint Breakaway Torque
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
If the breakaway torque exceeds the standard value, replace the tie rod end.
If the breakaway torque is under the standard value, check the ball joint for end play or ratcheting. If no end play or ratcheting, the ball joint can be re-used.
CAUTION: Always use a new ball joint nut as it is a self-locking nut.
Install the tie rod end to the knuckle, then tighten a new self-locking nut to the specified torque.
Tightening torque: 40 ± 8 N.m (30 ± 5 ft-lb)