Tie Rod End Ball Joint Rotation Torque Check

Required Special Tools:

CAUTION:

Loosen the jam 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 cord.

Install special tool MB991897 or MB992011 as shown in illustration.

Fig 1: Checking Tie Rod End Ball Joint Rotation Torque Using Special Tool MB991897/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 illustration.

Fig 2: Adjusting Special Tool Jaws
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 rotation torque.
Standard value: 2.9 N.m (26 in-lb) or less
If the rotation torque exceeds the standard value, replace the tie rod end (Refer to DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY ).
If any looseness or scraping feeling is experienced in the ball joint, even when the measurement is within the range of the standard value, the ball joint should be judged to be faulty. In this case, replace the tie-rod end (Refer to DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY ).

Fig 3: Installing Nut On Stud Using Special Tool MB990326
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.