GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Relay Rod Replacement 2WD

Tools Required

J 26813-B Steering Linkage Puller

Removal Procedure

A non-adjustable relay rod connects the pitman arm to the steering arm. If the relay rod becomes worn or damaged, replace the complete assembly.


    Object Number: 368393  Size: SH

    Important: In some applications a lock style nut may be used. If a lock style nut is used it should be discarded and replaced with a new lock style nut.

  1. Remove the cotter pin (2).
  2. Discard the cotter pin.
  3. Remove the relay rod nut (3).

  4. Object Number: 215973  Size: SH

    Important: Before removing relay rod mark its position so it can be referenced on installation.

  5. Use the J 26813-B in order to remove the relay rod from the pitman arm.

  6. Object Number: 368248  Size: SH

    Important: In some applications a lock style nut may be used. If a lock style nut is used it should be discarded and replaced with a new lock style nut.

  7. Remove the cotter pin (1) and discard.
  8. Remove the nut (2) from the steering arm.
  9. Use theJ 26813-B in order to remove the relay rod (3) from the steering arm.
  10. Remove the relay rod (3).

  11. Object Number: 216108  Size: SH
  12. Inspect the relay rod (11) for damage.
  13. Inspect the end assembly stud threads for damage.
  14. Inspect the assembly rubber seals for the following conditions:
  15. • Damage
    • Deterioration
  16. Install the relay rod nuts (8,10).
  17. Use a torque wrench in order to measure the torque used to turn the ball stud.
  18. Replace the relay rod if the turning torque is less than 0.5 N·m (5 lb in).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 368393  Size: SH

    Important: Note position of relay rod from removal process so the relay rod is not installed backwards.

  1. Install the relay rod (4) ball joint-pitman arm end to the pitman arm (1).
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the relay rod to pitman arm nut.
  4. Tighten

        • FN9/FM7 - Tighten the relay rod nut to 210 N·m (155 lb ft).
        • FM8 - Tighten the relay rod nut to 129 N·m (96 lb ft).
        • FM6/FS7/FL3/FH4 - Tighten the relay rod nut to 162 N·m (120 lb ft).

    Object Number: 368248  Size: SH
  5. Install the relay rod (3) ball joint steering arm end to the steering arm.
  6. Install the steering arm/relay rod nut.
  7. Tighten

        • FN9/FM7/FM8 - Tighten the steering arm/relay rod nut to 210 N·m (155 lb ft).
        • FM6/FS7/FL3/FH4 - Tighten the steering arm/relay rod nut to 325 N·m (239 lb ft).

    Object Number: 216108  Size: SH

    Important: Do not back off a relay rod nut in order to insert a cotter pin.

  8. Advance both relay rod nuts (8, 10) to the nearest cotter pin slot.
  9. Install the new cotter pins (7,12) if a lock style nut was not used.
  10. Lubricate the relay rod with chassis lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations and Maintenance Schedule in Maintenance and Lubrication.

Relay Rod Replacement 4WD

Tools Required

J 26813-B Steering Linkage Puller

Removal Procedure

    Important: Before removing the relay rod mark, position so it can be referenced on installation.


    Object Number: 1360624  Size: SH
  1. Remove the relay rod to steering arm cotter pin and discard.

  2. Object Number: 1360626  Size: SH
  3. Remove the relay rod to steering arm nut.
  4. Using J 26813-B , remove the relay rod from the steering arm.

  5. Object Number: 1360623  Size: SH
  6. Remove the relay rod to pitman arm nut and washer.

  7. Object Number: 215973  Size: SH
  8. Using J 26813-B , remove the relay rod from the pitman arm.
  9. Inspect the relay rod (11) for damage.
  10. Inspect the end assembly stud threads for damage.
  11. Inspect the assembly rubber seals for the following conditions:
  12. • Damage
    • Deterioration
  13. Install the relay rod nuts.
  14. Use a torque wrench in order to measure the torque used to turn the ball stud.
  15. Replace the relay rod if the turning torque is less than 0.5 N·m (5 lb in).

Installation Procedure

    Important: Note the position of the relay rod from removal process so the relay rod is not installed backwards.


    Object Number: 1360623  Size: SH
  1. Install the relay to the pitman arm.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the relay rod to pitman arm washer and nut.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 210 N·m (155 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1360626  Size: SH
  5. Install the relay rod to the steering arm.
  6. Install the relay rod to the steering arm nut.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 129 N·m (96 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1360624  Size: SH

    Important: Do not back off a relay rod nut in order to insert a cotter pin.

  8. Advance the relay rod nut to the nearest cotter pin slot.
  9. Install the new cotter pin.
  10. Lubricate the relay rod with chassis lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations and Maintenance Schedule .