GM 21011027
Tie Rod, Outer

Begin outer Tie Rod End replacement by removing the cotter pin followed by the hex slotted nut on the outer tie rod assembly . The assembly of the Steering Knuckle requires the universal steering linkage puller (J24319-01) for removing the outer tie rod assembly while the jam nut is loosened on the inner tie rod assembly . Detach the outer tie rod assembly from the inner tie rod assembly as the next step. Before tightening the jam nut , hook up the outer tie rod assembly to the inner tie rod so you can proceed by fitting the outer tie rod assembly to the Steering Knuckle using the hex slotted nut on the outer tie rod stud. Install the hex slotted nut by applying 47 nm (35 ft.lbs.) torque while positioning the cotter pin hole for a final 70 nm (52 ft.lbs.) torque or up to 1/6 additional turn. Never back off the nut before inserting the cotter pin. After inserting the cotter pin through the tie rod stud hole, check that the Rack and Pinion Boot stays untwisted during toe adjustment before making inner tie rod adjustments according to manufacturer guidelines. Complete the adjustment with a hex jam nut torque of 68 nm (50 ft. Lbs.). Begin inner tie rod replacement by removing the Rack and Pinion Boot while maintaining rack alignment to prevent damage. The shock dampener needs detachment from the inner tie rod assembly before sliding it backward onto the rack. Unscrew the rack assembly from the inner tie rod assembly by applying wrenches to the flats of the rack assembly and the inner tie rod housing . Turn the housing counter clockwise to break the connection. First wipe away loctite (R) residue from the rack's threads and inner tie rod threads and then guide the shock dampener back to the rack's front face. Use loctite (R) 262 (or equivalent) to lubricate inner tie rod threads before attaching the inner tie rod to the rack. Use a wrench on the rack's flats along with a torque wrench to tighten the inner tie rod housing to 100 nm (74 ft. Lbs.). Fit the shock dampener over the inner tie rod assembly until it reaches the lowest point then continue with Rack and Pinion Boot reinstallation.

Starting to repair the Tie Rod End requires suspension of the vehicle on a hoist. Start by removing the wheel and tire followed by disconnection of the cotter pin then the hex slotted nut from the outer tie rod. First, loosen the jam nut of the inner tie rod then disconnect the outer tie rod from the Steering Knuckle by using the universal steering linkage puller (J 24319-B). The next procedure requires you to remove the outer tie rod from its position on the inner tie rod. To install the tie rods join the outer rod piece with the inner rod section before locking the jam nut. After you install the outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod you may connect it to the Steering Knuckle. Attach the hex slotted nut to the outer tie rod stud before tightening it to 47 nm (35 ft. Lbs.), while adjusting its position to slot with the cotter pin through incremental 1/6 turns or 70 nm (52 ft. Lbs.). After installing the hex slotted nut onto the tie rod stud you must refrain from tightening it for inserting the cotter pin before placing the pin all the way through the stud hole. Use appropriate measurements on the front toe adjustment.

The shock dampener should be removed.

Slide the shock dampener over the inner tie rod housing until it bottoms out against the housing.