OEM Dodge Caravan Tie Rod

Dodge Caravan Tie Rod Parts and Q&A

• Inner Tie Rod
  68019643AB
  Q:

  How to Install a Tie Rod on Dodge Caravan?

  A:

  To install the tie rod ends, begin with the inner tie rod by placing the travel restrictor with the flat side of the teeth facing out on the inboard end of the inner tie rod ball joint. Apply Mopar(R) Lock & Seal Adhesive or an equivalent medium thread locker adhesive to the inboard end threads of the inner tie rod. Use an appropriately sized wrench on the exposed section of the rack gear to prevent rotation and damage during installation. Install the inner tie rod onto the gear using the appropriate inner tie rod installer tool or crows foot wrench, holding the rack gear stationary, and tighten to 78 Nm (58 ft. lbs.). Apply a small amount of Mopar(R) Lubriplate or an equivalent lubricant uniformly to the groove in the inner tie rod shaft where the bellows mounts to allow for toe adjustment without twisting the bellows. Place a new transfer tube clamp over the transfer tube past where the bellows will mount, then loosely place a new clamp over the large end of the bellows. Slide the new bellows with the clamp over the end of the inner tie rod and onto the gear body and transfer tube, pushing the small end of the bellows past the groove machined into the inner tie rod and pulling it outward until the ridge inside the bellows engages the groove. Secure the bellows to the transfer tube with a clamp and use crimping pliers to crimp the bellows clamp at the gear body. Install a clamp over the small end of the bellows, position the leak detection pump on the left side only, and install the mounting screws. Thread the tie rod jam nut onto the inner tie rod far enough to install the outer tie rod. For the outer tie rod, ensure the jam nut is on the inner tie rod and installed sufficiently. Install the outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod using the same number of turns counted during removal. Insert the outer tie rod end into the Steering Knuckle and tighten the tie rod end to the steering knuckle nut using a crowfoot wrench and socket to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.). Snug the tie rod jam nut but do not fully tighten it yet; tighten to specifications after setting the toe in the final step. Finally, install the front wheel and tire assembly, lower the vehicle, adjust the front toe, and tighten the tie rod jam nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).