GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J-42188-B

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

    Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  3. Object Number: 2153530  Size: SH

    Note: Make reference markings on the tie rod end lock nut (2) and the tie rod end (3) before loosening the tie rod end lock nut (2).

    Note: Measure the distance of the thread (A) in relation to the tie rod end lock nut (2) before loosening the tie rod end lock nut (2).

  4. Make a reference mark (5) parallel to the tie rod end lock nut (2) and the tie rod end (3).
  5. Measure and make a note of the distance of the thread (A) in relation to the tie rod end lock nut (2).
  6. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut (2) half a turn.

  7. Object Number: 2144698  Size: SH
  8. Loosen the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (1) about two turns.

  9. Object Number: 2144701  Size: SH
  10. Disengage the tie rod (3) from the steering knuckle (2) using the J-42188-B (1).

  11. Object Number: 2144704  Size: SH
  12. Remove and discard the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).
  13. Separate the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2).

  14. Object Number: 2153551  Size: SH
  15. Remove the tie rod end (2) from the steering gear assembly (1).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 2153551  Size: SH
  1. Install the tie rod end (2) to the steering gear assembly (1).

  2. Object Number: 2153529  Size: SH

    Note: To minimise the wheel alignment procedure the tie rod end (3) must be installed the distance (A) as was noted in the removal procedure.

    Note: To minimise the wheel alignment procedure align the reference mark (6) on the tie rod end (3) and the reference mark (6) on the tie rod end lock nut (2).

    Note: The tie rod end lock nut (2) is not to be fully tightened at this stage.

  3. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering gear assembly (1)
  4. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering knuckle (4).
  5. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  6. Install the NEW tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (5) and tighten to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).
  7. Install the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and InstallationTire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  10. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurementin Wheel Alignment.

  11. Object Number: 1957046  Size: SH
  12. Tighten the tie rod end lock nut (1) to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).