OEM 2007 Cadillac XLR Tie Rod

2007 Cadillac XLR Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What tools are required to replace the steering gear inner tie rod off (Magnasteer) on 2007 Cadillac XLR?

  A: The tools to use in order to replace the steering gear inner Tie Rod off the vehicle (Magnasteer) are the inner Tie Rod wrench (J 34028). Remove the Rack And Pinion boot and then fasten it in a vise. It is so important not to change the steering gear preload adjustment prior to disconnecting the inner Tie Rod in order to prevent damaging the pinion and steering gear. Take out the shock dampener from the inner Tie Rod housing and move the latter back onto the rack. On the valve end of the steering gear position a pipe wrench against the inner Tie Rod housing, then position another pipe wrench onto the rack next to the inner Tie Rod housing. Twist the flats of the inner Tie Rod housing using a wrench counterclockwise while keeping the rack in a stationary position until it detaches from the rack. Do the same with the inner Tie Rod housing and inner Tie Rod. If necessary, remove old loctite(R) from the threads of the inner Tie Rod and the rack. For assembly, slide the shock dampener onto the rack, be sure that the threads are clean before applying loctite(R) 262, or equivalent, to the inner tie rods threads as required. Now attach the inner Tie Rod to the rack , in between this using a pipe wrench at the inner Tie Rod housing and a torque wrench on the inner Tie Rod wrench (J 34028). Tighten it to 100 n.m (74 lb ft). Repeat for the inner Tie Rod , and make sure there is appropriate staking of your inner Tie Rod assembly housing to the male rack. Test the stakes with a 0.25mm gage to confirm it doesn't fit between the rack and housing stake, then force shock dampener onto the inner Tie Rod housing until it would bottom out. Lastly, mount the Rack And Pinion boot.