OEM 2004 Buick LeSabre Tie Rod

2004 Buick LeSabre Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the inner tie rod of the Magnasteer steering gear on 2004 Buick LeSabre?

  A: One must gather specified tools when replacing the magnasteer steering gear inner Tie Rod: inner Tie Rod wrench (J34028). Inner Tie Rod wrench (J34028). As the first step you should remove the Rack and Pinion Boot before placing the gear inside a vise. Prior to removing the inner Tie Rod you must never adjust steering gear preload because it will cause damage to pinion and steering gear components. Slide the shock damping unit off the inner Tie Rod housing and reinstall it onto the rack. A pipe wrench should connect to the rack's inner Tie Rod housing area and a standard wrench on the housing flats so you can rotate it counterclockwise until rack separation occurs. Repetition of this method should occur for both the inner Tie Rod housing and the inner Tie Rod. The threads of both the inner Tie Rod and rack require cleaning before application of new loctite. After cleaning the rack threads securely install the shock dampener onto the rack before applying loctite 262 or equivalent to the inner Tie Rod threads when required. Tighten the rack inner Tie Rod with an inner Tie Rod wrench (J34028) and torque wrench to achieve 100 nm (74 ft. Lbs.) while holding the rod with a pipe wrench. After completing the inner Tie Rod assembly follow up with appropriate inner Tie Rod housing staple installation to secure the male rack interface. Use a 0.25mm gauge to check the stakes because they need to stay outside of the rack's space with the inner Tie Rod housing. Slip the shock dampener over the inner Tie Rod housing until it reaches its correct position.