Q: How to inspect the Center Link,Idler Arm,Pitman Arm and Tie Rod?
A: While inspecting the linkage system of a steering, look for play in the system by shaking the wheel and checking dial indicator reading and assessing idler arm wear. Also, check for disintegrated joint boots, worn-out or damaged parts of the linkage. Loosening lug nuts of the wheels is first step to be taken before unbolting tie rod end from Steering Knuckle and relay rod in order to get rid of tie-rod. A new tie-rod end can only be put when one knows how long it was adjusted initially by measuring distance between adjuster tube and ball stud before detaching tie-rod end from vehicle assembly. The replacement part must be greased prior to being screwed into adjuster tube; otherwise inner side should receive no lubricant at all except being inserted into relay rod through a nut which keeps it in place. The outer connection where castellated nut is used is however tightened on steering knuckles only as much as possible without causing strip off threads. Then tighten clamp nuts and install wheel; finally lower vehicle onto ground surface so that tire does not spin while rotating steering wheel on jack stands.Loosen nut then separate two jaw puller to detach it from relay rod if need arises to remove idler arm then followed by removing idler arm-to-frame bolts. Bolt idler arm on frame using its thread and insert it in relay rod with sieving nut via ball stud on idler arm when installing it back. Inner tie rods ends plus idlers have been separated before separating connecting rod's ball stud from Pitman along with shoulder pivots namely relay rods.Both removal processes are similar except that during installation all nuts should be tightened just like any other component up to specified torque values which indicate tighter or loose fastening necessary depends upon design purposes.