Steering assembly

Axial tie rod end

Essential special tools
Tav. 476	Ball joint extractor
Dir. 1306-04	Rack immobilising tool
Dir. 1305-01	Axial ball joint removal and refitting tool

Essential equipment

diagnostic tool

Tightening torques
axial ball joint	8 daN.m
toe adjustment locknut	5.3 daN.m
steering ball joint nut	3.7 daN.m
wheel bolt	11 daN.m
battery cover screw	0.4 daN.m

REMOVAL

• Position the vehicle on a two-post lift.
• Unlock the steering column lock using the diagnostic tool.

Note: During this operation, the steering rack must be installed on the vehicle.

• Disconnect the battery, starting with the negative terminal.
• Extract the steering ball joint using the tool (Tav.476).
• Loosen the toe adjustment locknut.
• Note the number of thread turns engaged so that toe can be pre-set when refitting.
• Remove:

• the ball joint housing,
• the locknut,
• the bellows retaining clips,
• the bellows.

WARNING

Take care not to deform the bellows: risk of irreversible damage.

• Fit the tool (Dir. 1306-04)(1) onto the steering rod on the pinion side.
• Release the axial ball joint using tool (Dir. 1305-01)(2).

INSTALLATION

• Always replace the washer (3).
• Refit:

• the washer (3),
• the axial ball joint (4).

• Torque the axial ball joint (8 daN.m) using tool (Dir. 1305-01).
• Apply lithium grease to:

• the rack,
• the axial ball joint.

• Refit:

• the bellows,
• the metal clip,
• the new plastic clip, identical to the original fitting,
• the locknut,
• the ball joint housing.

• Screw the steering ball joint housing back on by the number of turns noted during removal.
• Refit the steering ball joint.
• Tighten to the following torques:

• the toe adjustment locknut (5.3 daN.m),
• the steering ball joint nut (3.7 daN.m),
• the wheel fixing bolts (11 daN.m).

WARNING

Reconnect the battery; carry out the necessary relearn procedures (Chapter Battery).

• Torque the battery cover screws (0.4 daN.m).
• Adjust the wheel alignment.

WARNING

Carry out the torque and angle sensor relearn using the diagnostic tool.

Note: Be sure to initialise the xenon headlamp system (if the vehicle is equipped with it; see Electrical equipment chapter).