GM 19149838
Tie Rod Boot

In order to replace the steering gear boot on the vehicle, lift and hold the vehicle, remove the tire assembly. Next, take off the outer tie rod and the jam nut plus the spring from outer end of the boot. Trim and discard the inner end of the crimp clamp and throw it away. Examine the inner tie rod for corrosion or contamination after removing boot if there is none, repair then. Remove the boot off the steering gear, clean the inside of the tie rod and boot contact area from grease and dirt. For installation, check the inside of the tie rod for things like debris and moisture, and verify that boot sealing areas are clean and dry. Put around 3/4 of the supplied grease packet in small end of the boot cavity, and the rest on the shaft where the small end of the boot meets. Ensure that the large end of the boot is seated in the gear housing groove properly, and install the boot, loosely attach the large clamp. Using the keystone clamp pliers (J 22610), crimp large clamp and make sure the small end of boot is firmly seated in the inner grov of the Tie Rod End. Mount the spring clamp to the small end of the boot, and mount the jam nut approximately 174 mm (6.85 in) from the boot clamp. Now install the outer tie rod, and then tire assembly and then the front wheel alignment to be checked and adjusted.

Install the spring clamp to the small end of the boot.

Fill and bleed the power steering system and check the front wheel alignment, adjusting as necessary.