How to replace the center (draggable) link

Also known as tie rods, the center links connect the tie rods together to keep the steering and suspension system running smoothly.

The center link, also known as the traction link, is found in the vehicle's steering and suspension system. The center link connects most of the tie rods together and helps the steering system work in sync with each other. A faulty center link can cause steering slack and sometimes vibration when driving. After replacing the central link or any steering components, it is recommended to adjust the camber.

Part 1 of 6: Raise and secure the front of the car

Necessary materials

• Central Link
• Diagonal cutting pliers
• Front Service Kit
• Syringe
• Hammer - 24 oz.
• socket
• Jack Stands
• Ratchet (3/8)
• Ratchet (1/2) - 18" Lever Length
• Safety glasses
• Socket set (3/8) - metric and standard
• Socket set (1/2) - deep sockets, metric and standard
• Torque wrench (1/2)
• Torque wrench (3/8)
• Wrench Set - Metric 8mm to 21mm
• Wrench Set - Standard ¼” to 15/16”

Step 1: Raise the front of the car.. Take the jack and raise each side of the vehicle to a comfortable height, place the jack stands in a lower position, secure and move the jack out of the way.

Step 2: Remove covers. Remove any covers that may be attached underneath that interfere with the center link.

Step 3: Find the central link. To locate the center link, you will need to locate the steering system, steering gear, tie rod ends, bipod, or intermediate arm. Searching for these parts will lead you to the central link.

Step 4: Find the drag link. The end of the rod is connected from the bipod to the right steering knuckle.

Part 2 of 6: Removing the Center Link

Step 1: Reference marks. Take a marker to mark the position of the center link. Mark the bottom, left, and right ends of the tie rod mount and bipod mount. This is very important because the center link can be installed upside down, which will move the front end a lot.

Step 2: Start removing the center link. First, remove the cotter pins with a pair of diagonal cutters. Most replacement parts come with new hardware, make sure the hardware is on. Not all fronts use cotter pins, they may just use lock nuts where cotter pins are not needed.

Step 3: Remove Mounting Nuts. Start by removing the nuts securing the inner ends of the tie rod.

Step 4: Inner Tie Rod Separation. To separate the inner tie rod from the center link, you will need the tie rod removal tool from the kit to separate the tie rod from the center link. The separating tool will grip the center link and force the protruding tie rod end ball stud out of the center link. To work with a separator, you will need a head and a ratchet.

Step 5: Separating the Intermediate Arm. Remove the cotter pin, if present, and the nut. To separate the tension arm, the kit will have a tensioner separator with the same process of pressing in and separating the tie rod ends. Use a socket and ratchet to apply pressure and separate the tension arm from the center link.

Step 6: Bipod Separation. Remove cotter pin, if present, and mounting nut. Use the bipod separator from the front end maintenance kit. The puller will install the center link and separate the connecting rod from the center link by applying pressure with a socket and ratchet.

Step 7: Lowering the Center Link. After separation of the bipod, the central link will be released and it can be removed. Pay attention to how it is removed so you don't install it incorrectly. Creating check marks will help.

Part 3 of 6: Remove a drag link

Step 1: Remove the right front wheel. Remove the right front wheel, you may need someone to brake to free the lugs. This will expose the joint and the end of the pull.

Step 2: Separating the traction from the bipod. Remove cotter pin, if present, and mounting nut. Install the puller from the front service kit, use the ratchet and head to apply force and separate.

Step 3: Separating the drag link from the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin and mounting nut, slide the puller from the front end kit onto the steering knuckle and tie rod stud, and press the tie rod out while applying force with the ratchet and socket.

Step 4: Remove the drag link. Delete and set aside the old drag link.

Part 4 of 6: Installing the New Center Link

Step 1: Align the installation direction of the center link. Before installing the new center link, use the reference marks made on the old center link to match the new center link. This is done to properly install the center link. This is necessary to prevent incorrect installation of the center.

Step 2: Start installing the center link. Once the center link is in position for installation, align and install the connecting rod onto the center link. Tighten the mounting nut to the recommended torque. You may need to tighten some more to align the spline nut with the cotter hole on the stud.

Step 3: Installing the cotter pin. If a cotter pin is required, insert a new cotter pin through the hole in the bipod stud. Take the long end of the cotter pin and bend it up and around the stud and bend the bottom end of the cotter pin down, it can also be cut flush with the nut using diagonal pliers.

Step 4: Install intermediate link to center link.. Attach intermediate arm to center link, tighten nut to specification. Insert pin and secure.

Step 5: Install the inner tie rod ends to the center link.. Attach the inner end of the tie rod, torque and torque the mounting nut to specification, and secure the cotter pin.

Part 5 of 6: Installing a New Drag

Step 1: Attach the Drag Link to the Joint. Attach the drawbar to the steering knuckle and tighten the mounting nut, tighten the mounting nuts to specification and secure the cotter pin.

Step 2: Attach the rod to the manipulator.. Attach the link to the crank, install the mounting nut and torque to specification, then secure the cotter pin.

Part 6 of 6: Lubricate, Install Skid Plates and Lower Vehicle

Step 1: Lubricate the front. Take a grease gun and start lubricating from the right wheel to the left. Lubricate the inner and outer tie rod ends, intermediate arm, bipod arm, and while you lubricate, lubricate the upper and lower ball joints.

Step 2: Install the protective plates. If any protective plates have been removed, install them and secure with mounting bolts.

Step 3: Install the right front wheel. If you have removed the right front wheel to access the linkage, install it and torque to specification.

Step 4: Lower the car. Raise the vehicle with the jack and remove the jack supports, lower the vehicle safely.

The center link and traction are very important when it comes to driving. A worn or damaged center link/tractor can cause looseness, vibration, and misalignment. Replacing worn parts when recommended is essential to your comfort and safety. If you would prefer to entrust the replacement of the central link or rod to a professional, entrust the replacement to one of AvtoTachki certified specialists.