GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 865471  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle .
  4. Notice: 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.

  5. Remove the shock dampener (2) from the inner tie rod (5).
  6. Slide the shock dampener (2) back onto the power steering gear (1).

  7. Object Number: 865466  Size: SH

    Important: Do not hold the power steering gear while removing the inner tie rod if the preload adjustment has not been changed.

  8. Remove the inner tie rod (2) from the power steering gear (4) as follows:
  9. 6.1. Place J 34028 on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (3)
    6.2. Rotate the inner tie rod housing (3) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod (2) separates from the power steering gear.

    Object Number: 297389  Size: SH
  10. Remove the old Loctite® from the threads of the power steering gear (1).

Installation Procedure

    Important: Make sure the shock dampener is on the rack before installing the inner tie rod.

    The threads must be clean prior to the Loctite® application. Check the Loctite®, or equivalent, container for expiration date. Use only enough Loctite® to evenly coat the threads.


    Object Number: 297389  Size: SH
  1. Apply Loctite® 262 or equivalent to the inner tie rod threads (2).
  2. Install the inner tie rod (3) to the power steering gear (1).
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 865466  Size: SH
  4. Install a torque wrench (1) to the J 34028 to tighten the inner tie rod (2).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 297398  Size: SH
  6. Slide the shock dampener (2) over the inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener bottoms out against the inner tie rod housing.
  7. Install the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle .
  8. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.