NOTE: To reduce the turning radius of the vehicle, from April 1975 the length of the steering rack (size "C" - pattern L:9) was increased from 67 to 69 mm on each side. Accordingly, the length of the steering rods was reduced by 2 mm, except for the right steering rods of cars with automatic transmission - their length remained the same due to the design features.
Steering rod - replacement
The right steering rod is used to adjust the wheel alignment; the factory-installed left tie rod has a fixed length. Only adjustable length tie rods are available as spare parts.
When replacing the factory left tie rod, it is necessary to adjust the length of the new tie rod to match the old one (dimension "A", figure L:4). The length of the left steering tie rod should be 379 mm, and on early models (until April 1975) — 381 mm.
When replacing the right tie rod, the new tie rod must be adjusted in the same way as the old one - this will make it easier to adjust the wheel alignment later. The lengths of the right and left tie rods should be approximately the same.
1. Loosen the mounting bolts of the corresponding front wheel, raise the vehicle and remove the wheel (see chapter "Basic rules for carrying out work").
2. Remove the nut from the ball joint of the tie rod end and disconnect the joint from the steering knuckle using a ball joint puller (drawing L:3).
3. Remove the spring clips or clamps from both steering gear boots and slide the boots off the steering gear housing along the tie rods.
4. Set the steering gear to the middle position so that the dimensions "B" (drawing L:2) were the same on both sides.
5. Without changing the position of the rack, loosen the lock nut of the inner joint of the steering rod and unscrew the steering rod from the rack.
6. Transfer the rubber boot and its mounting clamps to the new steering rod. Replace the boot if it is damaged.
7 Adjust the length of the new tie rod (see above) and secure the end with the lock nut.
8. Screw the steering rod onto the rack so that the dimension "B" shown in Figure L:2 is the same for both sides of the steering gear. Secure the inner joint of the rod with a lock nut.
ATTENTION: On vehicles with automatic transmission, the "B" dimension is different on both sides; this ensures clearance between the steering rod and the automatic transmission housing.
9. Install the rubber boot onto the end of the steering gear cover and secure it with a clamp. Secure the narrow end of the boot to the steering rod with a spring clip (the clamp's antennae should be directed upwards).
10. Attach the steering rod to the steering knuckle arm, install and tighten the ball joint nut. Secure the nut with a new cotter pin.
11. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
12. Check the front wheel alignment as described earlier.
Ball joint and tie rod end - replacement
The wear of the steering rod ball joint cannot be compensated by adjustment; in case of wear, the joint is replaced.
When the vehicle is manufactured, the removable end is installed only on the right steering rod. The left steering rod is a single unit with the ball joint. If the ball joint of the left steering rod is worn out, replace the rod assembly. Only steering rods with removable ends are supplied as spare parts.
1. Remove the decorative cap from the relevant wheel and loosen the wheel bolts. Raise and support the front of the car with the handbrake fully applied.
2. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut approximately half a turn using two wrenches.
3. Remove the cotter pin (if available) and unscrew the ball joint nut.
4. Disconnect the ball pin from the steering knuckle using a ball joint puller (drawing L:3). Do not try to knock the pin out, as this may damage the steering mechanism.
5. Unscrew the tie rod end, counting the number of turns required to remove it.
6 Apply a small amount of grease to the threads of the steering rod and screw the new end onto it, making the same number of turns as it took to remove the old one.
7. Attach the ball joint pin to the steering knuckle arm, screw on and tighten the nut and secure it with a new cotter pin.
8. Tighten the tie rod end lock nut. If the steering gear boot is twisted, remove the clamp and straighten it.
9. Install the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
10. Check the front wheel alignment as described above.
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