Disassembly Procedure

To remove the rack and pinion boot and the breather tube. Refer to RACK AND PINION BOOT AND BREATHER TUBE REPLACEMENT - OFF VEHICLE .
Place the gear in a vise.
NOTE: Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.
Remove the shock dampener (4) from the inner tie rod housing (6).

Fig 1: Removing Shock Dampener From Inner Tie Rod Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Slide the shock dampener (4) back on the rack (5).
Place a pipe wrench on the rack (5) next to the inner tie rod housing (6).
Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (6).
Rotate the inner tie rod housing (6) counterclockwise, while holding the rack stationary, until the inner tie rod separates from the rack (5).
Remove the shock dampener (3) from the inner tie rod housing (2).
Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the rack (5).
Place a pipe wrench on the rack.
Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
Rotate the inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise, while holding the rack stationary, until the inner tie rod (1) separates from the rack (5).

Fig 2: Sliding Shock Dampener Back On Rack
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
If female rack (1) and male inner tie rod (3), remove the old LOCTITE® from the threads (2) of the inner tie rod and the rack.
If male rack (5) and female inner tie rod (4) LOCTITE® will not be present.

Fig 3: Removing LOCTITE From Threads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.