Tie Rod End — Removal and Installation (Opel Vectra A)

Note: This procedure requires a ball joint puller. Use a new tie rod end ball joint self-locking nut when installing.

Removal

1. Where applicable, remove the wheel cover, then loosen the front wheel bolts. Apply the handbrake, then jack up and support the front of the vehicle on axle stands. Remove the affected front wheel.

2. Loosen the tie rod end clamp bolt that secures the end to the adjuster threaded pin on the tie rod (see illustration).



3. Loosen the self-locking nut of the ball joint connecting the steering rod end to the suspension strut.

4. Using a ball joint puller, disconnect the joint connecting the tie rod end to the suspension strut (see illustration).



5. Mark the position of the tie rod end on the adjuster pin with paint or tape. You can also count the number of thread turns on the protruding part of the pin. Then unscrew the end from the steering rod.



6. Note that the right tie rod end is marked with the letter "R" while the left tie rod end has no marking.

Installation

7. Thread the tie rod end onto the adjuster pin to the position noted during removal.

8. Connect the tie rod end ball joint to the suspension strut and tighten the new self-locking nut to the tightening torque specified in the Specifications.

9. Tighten the tie rod end clamp bolt.

10. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel bolts completely and, where applicable, install the hubcap.

11. Check the front wheel alignment angles as described in Chapter 45 and adjust if necessary. Take a short drive to check the alignment of the rods.