How to install tie rod sleeves

They add tremendous strength to the weakest section of the tie rod: the threaded area between the rack and outer tie rod, and the stainless steel construction keeps them from rusting.

The stock inner tie rods measure With the Merchant Automotive sleeves threaded on, they bulk up to Breaking the jam nut loose requires a 22 mm wrench and a 13 mm wrench on the hex portion of the outer tie rod toward the engine. Freeing up the ball stud nut calls for a 21 mm wrench. Note that the outer tie-rod stud is tapered. You never want to hit the top of the stud in order to drop it down, out of the spindle.

Counting the turns allows you to get the alignment as close as possible when the outer tie rod is threaded back on. Remove the factory jam nut from the inner tie rod and discard it. Merchant Automotive supplies anti-seize with all of its tie rod sleeves. Go ahead and run the sleeve up the inner tie rod as far as it will go for now. The tie-rod sleeve installs so that the threads engage the outer portion of the inner tie rod closest to the wheel.

This will make the impending alignment job that much easier on the shop you take your truck to. Now thread the outer tie rod back on and make the same amount of revolutions you counted during disassembly. The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein.

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