Tie Rod Boot: Service and Repair
NOTE: The removal and installation of the inner tie rod boot must be performed with the steering gear assembly removed from the vehicle.REMOVE

1. Loosen the inner to outer tie rod jam nut. Remove the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod.

2. Remove nut attaching the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Nut is to be removed from tie rod end using the following procedure, hold tie rod end stud with an 11/32 socket, while loosening and removing nut with wrench.
Tie Rod End Removal From Steering Knuckle Arm:

3. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using Remover, Special Tool MB-991113 or MB-990635, or equivalent.
4. Remove jam nut from inner tie rod.

5. Using pliers expand tie rod boot, to inner tie rod clamp and remove from steering gear boot.

6. Remove inner tie rod boot to steering gear clamp.
NOTE: After removing inner boot clamps. Use a very small screwdriver to lift boot from its retaining groove in steering gear. Then the boot can be removed from steering gear.
INSTALL
1. Install tie rod boot to steering gear clamp on tie rod boot.
2. Install tie rod boot and clamp on inner tie rod.
3. Install tie rod boot over steering gear housing and onto the end of the breather tube.

4. Crimp inner tie rod boot to steering gear clamp using Crimper, Special Tool C4975A, or equivalent. When installing clamp, Special Tool C4975A, or equivalent must have bottom bolt tightened until their is no gap between the 2 bars of the tool.
5. Lubricate inner tie rod boot groove with silicone type lubricant, then install outer boot seal to inner tie rod clamp. (Clamp will have to be loosened for toe adjustment).
6. Install inner to outer tie rod jam nut on inner tie rod.
7. Install outer tie rod on inner tie rod. Do not tighten jam nut.

8. Install tie rod end into the steering knuckle Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut. Then using a crowfoot and 11/32 socket, torque tie rod end attaching nut to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the steering gear boot to become twisted.
9. Make toe adjustment by turning inner tie rod.
10. Tighten the inner to outer tie rod jam nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.) torque. Lubricate tie rod boot groove with silicone type lubricant, before installing outer boot clamp, making sure boot is not twisted.