GM 12386615
Center Link

Start by using safety stands to lift the vehicle before you can service and repair the center link. Start by removing the steering linkage shield and differential carrier shield mounting bolts before taking off the differential carrier shield. The task starts with outer tie rod removal through the relay rod ball studs using the J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller. Then use the J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller to detach the ball studs on the relay rod which connect the steering shock absorber and pitman arm. When the relay rod comes off thoroughly examine all tie rod threads and ball stud threads along with all tie rod end threads and ball stud seals for any signs of malfunction while also cleaning ball stud and ball stud nut threads. Follow these installation steps: Sandwich the idler arm ball stud with the relay rod and place the seal facing the stud then position the taper with either the J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm) or J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm) while tightening to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.). Each ball stud should receive the same installation procedure first with the pitman arm ball stud before moving on to the inner tie rod ball studs. The tightening torque must reach 83 Nm (61 ft. lbs.) for pitman arm ball stud nuts whereas tie rod ball stud nuts must reach 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.). Close by installing the differential shield and its bolts and securing them at 25 Nm (19 ft. lbs.) then replace the steering shield before lower the vehicle and toe adjustment.

Service and repair of the Center Link requires installation of safety stands under the vehicle while removing bolts from steering linkage shield and differential carrier shield to detach the differential carrier shield. First unpack all ball joints by starting with inner tie rod ball studs then attaching j 43631 Ball Joint remover (J 43631) to detach inner tie rods from the relay rod. Move to the next step of removing the steering shock absorber from the relay rod by using the j 24319-b steering linkage puller (J 24319-B) which also serves to disconnect the Pitman Arm and idler arm ball studs. Check the ball stud threads and seals for damage and wear before cleaning the ball stud threads and the ball stud nut threads thoroughly. Install the idler arm ball stud on the relay rod while maintaining seal position followed by taper seating with j 29193 steering linkage installer (12 mm) (J 29193) or j 29194 steering linkage installer (14 mm) (J 29194). Finish by tightening to 54 nm (40 ft. Lbs.). Tighten each ball stud nut to the correct torque specification while maintaining seal positioning. Reposition the steering linkage shield after securing the differential carrier shield and mounting bolts at 25 nm (19 ft. Lbs.) then lower the vehicle for final inspection and front toe adjustment.