Disassembly Procedure

Fig 1: Identifying Inner Tie Rod Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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).
Slide the shock dampener (4) back on the rack (5).
Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice .
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).

Fig 2: Separating Inner Tie Rod From Rack

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the shock dampener (3) from the inner tie rod housing (2).
Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice .
Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the rack (5).

NOTE: Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice in Cautions and Notices.

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 3: Identifying Tie Rod Male & Female Ends

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.