GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

SA9209C Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the outer tie rod. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  4. Remove the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 862158  Size: SH
  6. Remove the inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut. Count the threads for installation.
  7. Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle .

  8. Object Number: 861809  Size: SH
  9. Slide the shock damper toward the steering gear.

  10. Object Number: 861813  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • The steering gear rack must be held stationary during inner tie rod removal.
       • Protect the steering gear rack teeth when removing the inner tie rod end.

  11. Using two wrenches, remove the inner tie rod end from the steering gear.

Installation Procedure

  1. Remove any old Loctite® from the threads of the rack and inner tie rod.

  2. Object Number: 861804  Size: SH

    Important: The threads must be clean prior to thread locker application. Do not use too much thread locker, only enough to evenly coat the threads.

  3. Apply Loctite 262® or equivalent to the inner tie rod threads.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 861815  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • The steering gear rack must be held stationary during inner tie rod installation.
       • Protect the steering gear rack teeth when installing the inner tie rod end.

  5. Use the SA9209C to install the inner tie rod to the steering gear.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the inner tie rod to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).

  7. Slide the shock damper into position.

  8. Object Number: 862158  Size: SH
  9. Install the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle .
  10. Install the tie rod jam nut on the inner tie rod end. Turn the nut on the same number of threads recorded in removal.
  11. Install the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .
  12. Install the outer tie rod. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  14. Set the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.