GM 26086579
Outer Tie Rod

Before performing replacement of the Rack And Pinion outer Tie Rod End it is essential to lift and secure the vehicle. Start by removing the tire assembly and subsequent detachment of the prevailing torque nut from the outer tie rod assembly followed by unfastening the jam nut from the inner tie rod assembly. Steering linkage joint should not experience damage when you avoid using a wedge to disconnect its parts. A universal steering linkage puller (J 24319-B) should be used for outer tie rod assembly removal from the Steering Knuckle. Proceed with removing the outer tie rod assembly from its connection to the inner tie rod assembly . When installing the components keep the outer and inner tie rod assemblies together using the jam nut but do not over-tighten it. The prevailing torque nut needs to be installed on the outer tie rod assembly before it is secured to the Steering Knuckle through tightening to 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.) while rotating by 120 degrees until 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 threads extend beyond the nylon washer. The installation ends with a tire and wheel assembly reinstallation followed by vehicle lowering and a front end alignment procedure.

The tie rod ball stud nut must be removed first during the process of replacing the outer Tie Rod End. Steering linkage and tie rod puller j 24319-b should be used to disconnect the outer tie rod from Steering Knuckle rather than pickle forks or wedges since these tools can potentially harm the seal or bushing. After loosening the jam nut of the tie rod you can extract the outer tie rod part away from the inner tie rod piece. The installation process begins by coupling the tie rod ends together without fastening the tie rod jam nut followed by fitting the tie rod ends to the Steering Knuckle. A replacement fastener should be used if cleaning and rust-free processing or developing the required 2 nm (18 inch lbs.) of torque/drag against its partner before seating cannot be achieved. The last step includes tightening the tie rod ball stud nut to 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.) + 120 degrees - 2 flats while verifying that 2.5 - 4.5 Tie Rod End threads extend past the tie rod nut nylon before conducting required toe inspections and adjustments.

First, remove the rack and pinion boot and inspect the inner tie rod for corrosion or contamination; if present, replace the steering gear.

Use a pipe wrench on the rack and a torque wrench with the J-34028 - Inner Tie Rod Wrench to tighten the left inner tie rod to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).

The prevailing torque nut.

Raise and support the vehicle.

Ensure that 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 threads are visible past the nylon washer.

Install the outer tie rod assembly to the steering knuckle.

A pickle fork or wedge type tool should be avoided.

Remove the rack and pinion boot.

2.5 - 4.5 tie rod end threads.

Tighten the tie rod ball stud nut to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) + 120 degrees.

Slide the shock dampener forward onto the rack, ensuring threads are clean before applying LOCTITE (R) 262 or equivalent to the inner tie rod threads if the configuration is female rack and male inner tie rod. Attach the inner tie rod onto the rack, using a pipe wrench on the rack next to the inner tie rod housing and a torque wrench with J 34028 on the flats of the inner tie rod housing to tighten it to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).

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