GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 747409  Size: SH
  1. To remove the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - Off Vehicle .
  2. Place the gear in a vise.
  3. Important: Do not change the rack bearing preload adjustment before removing the inner tie rod from the steering rack. This could cause damage to the pinion or the steering rack or both.

  4. Remove the shock dampener (6) from the inner tie rod assembly (4).
  5. Slide the shock dampener (6) back on the rack (5).
  6. Important: The pipe wrench must be placed on the rack (5) at the valve end of the gear and up against the inner tie rod housing (4). Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the gear.

  7. Place a pipe wrench on the rack (5) next to the inner tie rod housing (4).
  8. Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (4).
  9. Rotate the inner tie rod housing (4) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod separates from the rack (5).

  10. Object Number: 747411  Size: SH

    Important: Do not change the rack bearing preload adjustment before removing the inner tie rod from the steering rack. This could cause damage to the pinion or the steering rack or both.

  11. Remove the shock dampener (3) from the inner tie rod assembly (2).
  12. Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the rack (5).
  13. Important: The pipe wrench must be placed on the rack at the valve end of the gear. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the gear.

  14. Place a pipe wrench on the rack.
  15. Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
  16. Rotate the inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod (1) separates from the rack (5).

  17. Object Number: 297389  Size: SH
  18. Remove the old LOCTITE® from the threads (2) of the rack (1) and the inner tie rod (3).

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 747412  Size: SH
  1. Slide the shock dampener (4) forward onto the rack (3).
  2. Important: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check LOCTITE® (or equivalent) container for expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.

  3. Apply LOCTITE® 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod threads.
  4. Attach the inner tie rod onto the rack (3).
  5. Important: The pipe wrench must be placed on the rack (3) at the valve end of the gear and up against the inner tie rod housing (2). Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the gear.

  6. Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
  7. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  8. Place a torque wrench and J 34028 on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 747413  Size: SH
  10. Slide the shock dampener (2) forward onto the rack.
  11. Important: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check LOCTITE® (or equivalent) container for expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.

  12. Apply LOCTITE® 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod threads.
  13. Attach the inner tie rod (1) onto the rack.
  14. Important: The pipe wrench must be placed on the rack (5) at the valve end of the gear and up against the inner tie rod housing (4). Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the gear.

  15. Place a pipe wrench on the rack next to the inner tie rod housing (4).
  16. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  17. Place a torque wrench and J 34028 on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (7).
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 416139  Size: SH
  19. Place the inner tie rod assembly (2) in a vise.
  20. Stake both sides of the inner tie rod assembly housing to the rack (1).

  21. Object Number: 416141  Size: SH
  22. Insert a 0.25 mm gauge (1) between the rack (2) and the inner tie rod housing in order to check both stakes. The feeler gauge (1) must not pass between the rack and the housing stake.

  23. Object Number: 297398  Size: SH
  24. Slide the shock dampener (2) over the inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener (2) bottoms against the inner tie rod housing (3).
  25. To assemble the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - Off Vehicle .