Tutorial Sponsor
Tools Required for the Job
Disconnect the drivers side Radius Rod Arm at the Knuckle:
Disconnect wheel sensor wire from wheel sensor.
Using a 21mm socket remove the nut on the radius rod end at
the knuckle. If the radius rod stud starts to turn use a 10mm
wrench to hold the stud while unscrewing the nut.
Hit the steering knuckle with a hammer in the radius rod
location in order to shock the metal and loosen the radius rod
stud from the knuckle. After a few hits to the side of the
knuckle the radius rod stud should pop loose from the steering
knuckle. If the stud doesn't pop out, lightly tap the end of the
radius rod stud with the hammer. Ensure you do not hit the
threads on the stud.
Note: The attached photos show this procedure being
performed on the tie rod end. Use the same method for the
radius rod.
Perform at your own risk!
The information for this tutorial is based on my own experiences. It is meant to be working
instructions for the DIY'er attempting to perform this job at home. These instructions are how I
performed this procedure. I take no personal responsibility for any damage you may incur by
following these instructions.
Secure vehicle on jack stands. Always use jack stands when
working under the vehicle.
)
Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
)
)
)
)
From within the wheel well, remove the front six retainers that
secure the wheel well plastic to the car. The retainers are
removed using a flat blade screwdriver to pop the center up,
then pry the retainer body out of the hole. This will allow easy
access to the radius rod bolt by pulling the front of the wheel
well outside of the steering knuckle.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Using an 18mm socket, remove the bolt at the bushing end of
the radius rod arm, then remove the radius rod arm from the
radius rod mount. There is a metal positioner that needs to be
removed after removing the bolt. You will not need this again,
so keep it or throw it away; it’s up to you.
)
)
On the otherside of the radius rod mount, close to the engine
there is a nut attached to a plate, this needs to be removed as
well. From the inside of the radius rod mount there is a plastic
retainer. Use a flat blade screwdriver to pry it out. Once you
have it started you can use a pair of pliers to remove it the rest
of the way. Now you can remove the plate/nut assembly.
Again, you will not need this again, so keep it or throw it away;
it’s up to you.
)
)
)
Press out the OEM radius rod bushing using a 12-ton shop
press and one of the adaptors from the ball joint press.
)
Pressing out the OEM radius rod bushing and
replacing it with the Pedders EP6560 (Video):
Clean radius rod arm eyelet with an ultra fine grit sand paper.
Just to remove any rust or other deposits that may be left from
the OEM bushing.
Press in the Pedders radius rod bushing EP6560. Ensure that
the Pedders bushing is lined up correctly.
Additional information not discussed in the video. The
Pedders bushing is not even on both sides of the bushing.
One side of the polyurethane sticks out of the steel jacket
7mm the other side sticks out 10mm. The 10mm side
should be installed so that it’s facing the engine. (See Pic)
Clean the radius rod bolt using wire wheel or other appropriate method.
)
)
)
Grease the interior face of the radius rod bushing and insert the metal sleeve. This is a tight
fit, but it will go in. Wipe off any residual grease that was pushed out.
)
)
)
Place the radius rod arm into the mount and install one caster
washer (5421) on the radius rod mount facing the front of the
vehicle. The oval portion of the washer should fit into the radius
rod mount groove and the offset hole of the washer will be
facing the front of the vehicle. Insert the bolt throught the
washer and through the sleeve of the radius rod bushing. Place
the other caster washer on the opposite side of the mount,
sliding it over the bolt. Both caster washers must be properly
placed in the grooves of the radius rod mount.
)
)
)
Apply loctite red to the threads of the radius rod bolt.
Install the new nut provided by Pedders with your bushing kit.
Using an 18mm socket and wrench torque to 30ft-lbs + 120
degrees.
Place the radius rod ball joint into the steering knuckle and
torque to 30ft-lbs + 60 degrees.
Time required to complete the job: ~ 2.0 hours
