GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Relay Rod Replacement RWD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

Important: Use the proper tool in order to separate all ball joints.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  2. Object Number: 284524  Size: SH
  3. Remove the inner tie rods (5) from the relay rod.

  4. Object Number: 414584  Size: SH
  5. Remove the prevailing torque nut (5) from the connecting rod (1) ball stud.
  6. Discard the prevailing torque nut (5).

  7. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the connecting rod from the relay rod.

  8. Object Number: 375572  Size: SH
  9. Remove the prevailing torque nuts (5) from the idler arm (1) ball studs.
  10. Discard the prevailing torque nuts (1).

  11. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the relay rod from the idler arms.
  12. Inspect the threads on the tie rod for damage.
  13. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
  14. Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive wear.
  15. Clean the threads on the ball studs.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)


    Object Number: 240740  Size: SH

    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.

  1. Use the J 29193 in order to install the relay rod to the idler arm ball studs.
  2. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  3. Remove the J 29193 .

  4. Object Number: 375572  Size: SH
  5. Install the new prevailing torque nut (5) to the idler arm (1) ball studs.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  7. Use the J 29193 in order to install the relay rod to the connecting rod ball stud.
  8. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  9. Remove the J 29193 .

  10. Object Number: 414584  Size: SH
  11. Install the new prevailing torque nut (5) to the connecting rod (1) ball stud.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 284524  Size: SH
  13. Use the J 29193 in order to install the inner tie rod (5) to the relay rod (8).
  14. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  15. Remove the J 29193 .
  16. Install the new prevailing torque nut (7) to the inner tie rod (5).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Adjust the toe-in. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.

Relay Rod Replacement F4WD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

Important: Use the proper tool in order to separate all ball joints.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  2. Object Number: 375578  Size: SH
  3. Remove the inner tie rods (2) from the relay rod (3).
  4. Discard the prevailing torque nut (4).

  5. Remove the prevailing torque nut (4) from the connecting rod (5) ball stud.
  6. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the connecting rod from the relay rod.
  7. Remove the prevailing torque nuts (4) from the idler arm (1) ball studs.
  8. Discard the prevailing torque nuts (4).

  9. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the relay rod from the idler arms.
  10. Inspect the threads on the tie rod for damage.
  11. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
  12. Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive wear.
  13. Clean the threads on the ball studs.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)


    Object Number: 240740  Size: SH

    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.

  1. Use the J 29193 in order to install the relay rod to the idler arm ball studs.
  2. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  3. Remove the J 29193 .

  4. Object Number: 375578  Size: SH
  5. Install the new prevailing torque nut (4) to the idler arm (1) ball studs.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  7. Use the J 29193 in order to install the relay rod to the connecting rod ball stud.
  8. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  9. Remove the J 29193 .
  10. Install the new prevailing torque nut (4) to the connecting rod (5) ball stud.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 375563  Size: SH
  12. Use the J 29193 in order to install the inner tie rod (5) to the relay rod (7).
  13. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  14. Remove the J 29193 .
  15. Install the new prevailing torque nut (8) to the inner tie rod (5).
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the prevailing torque nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  17. Lower the vehicle.
  18. Adjust the toe-in. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.