GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement HPS

Tools Required

J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 796360  Size: SH

    Important: The boot and retaining clamps must be replaced when replacing the inner tie rod.

  1. Remove the rack and pinion boot and breather tube. Refer to Steering Gear Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .
  2. Place the gear in a vise.
  3. Notice: Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.

  4. Separate the shock dampener (4) from inner tie rod assembly (2).
  5. Slide the shock dampener back on the rack (3).
  6. Notice: The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.

  7. Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
  8. Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
  9. Rotate the inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod separates from the rack (3).

  10. Object Number: 796361  Size: SH
  11. At the other gear end, separate the shock dampener (3) from inner tie rod assembly (2).
  12. Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the rack (4).
  13. Notice: The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.

  14. Maintain the pipe wrench on the opposite end of the rack (6).
  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 separates from the rack (4).

  17. Object Number: 796362  Size: SH
  18. Remove old LOCTITE® from the threads (1) of the rack (3) and inner tie rod (2).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 796363  Size: SH
  1. Slide the shock dampener (4) forward onto the rack (3).
  2. Important: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check the LOCTITE® (or equivalent) container expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.

  3. Apply LOCTITE® 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod threads (2).
  4. Attach the inner tie rod (2) onto the rack (3).
  5. Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Notice: The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.

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


    Object Number: 796364  Size: SH
  9. Slide the shock dampener (1) over the inner tie rod housing (2) until the front lip of the shock dampener (1) bottoms against the inner tie rod housing (2).

  10. Object Number: 796365  Size: SH
  11. Slide the shock dampener (3) forward onto the rack (2).
  12. Important: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check the LOCTITE® (or equivalent) container expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.

  13. Apply LOCTITE® 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod (1) threads.
  14. Attach the inner tie rod (1) onto the rack (2).
  15. Notice: The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.

  16. Maintain the pipe wrench on the opposite end of the rack (5) next to the inner tie rod housing.
  17. Place a torque wrench and J 34028 on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (1).
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the inner tie rod housing to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 796364  Size: SH
  19. Slide the shock dampener (1) over the inner tie rod housing (2) until the front lip of the shock dampener (1) bottoms against the inner tie rod housing (2).
  20. Remove the gear from the vise.
  21. Install the rack and pinion boot and breather tube. Refer to Steering Gear Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .