Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Fig 1: Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Callout	Component Name
Preliminary Procedures Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement . After removing the steering gear boot, inspect the steering linkage inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If none is evident, continue with the repair. If corrosion or contamination is evident, replace the steering gear. Refer to Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement .
1	Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod CAUTION: Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Caution . Procedure To change the driver's side steering linkage inner tie rod, turn the steering wheel to expose the first two inches of steering gear rack. Hold the rack with a wrench across the two recesses in the rack sides. Care must be taken to avoid any marks or damage on the teeth or on the back of the rack. Use the J-34028 wrench to remove and install the steering linkage inner tie rod. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment . NOTE: Some steering gears do not have anti-rotation flats on the driver's side of the steering gear rack. To service the passenger side steering linkage inner tie rod, a second person is required to hold the steering gear rack as explained in the procedure. Tighten 98 N.m (72 lb ft) Special Tools J-34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Callout

Component Name

Preliminary Procedures

Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement .
After removing the steering gear boot, inspect the steering linkage inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If none is evident, continue with the repair. If corrosion or contamination is evident, replace the steering gear. Refer to Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement .

Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod

CAUTION:

Procedure

To change the driver's side steering linkage inner tie rod, turn the steering wheel to expose the first two inches of steering gear rack. Hold the rack with a wrench across the two recesses in the rack sides. Care must be taken to avoid any marks or damage on the teeth or on the back of the rack.
Use the J-34028 wrench to remove and install the steering linkage inner tie rod.
Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment .

NOTE:

Some steering gears do not have anti-rotation flats on the driver's side of the steering gear rack.
To service the passenger side steering linkage inner tie rod, a second person is required to hold the steering gear rack as explained in the procedure.

Tighten
98 N.m (72 lb ft)
Special Tools
J-34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .