GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tie Rod Replacement RWD

Tools Required

    • J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
    • J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
    • J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 291231  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the cotter pin from outer tie rod ball stud nut.
  3. Remove the outer tie rod ball stud nut.

  4. Object Number: 291234  Size: SH
  5. Remove the inner tie rod ball stud nut.

  6. Object Number: 643351  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint.

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

  7. Remove the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle using J 24319-B .

  8. Object Number: 397350  Size: SH
  9. Remove the inner tie rod ball stud from the relay rod using J 6627-A .
  10. Perform the following steps in order to remove the tie rod ends from the adjuster tube:
  11. 7.1. Loosen the clamp bolts.
    7.2. Unscrew the assemblies.
  12. Inspect for the following possible conditions:
  13. • The tie rod ends for damage
    • The tie rod end seals for excessive wear
    • The tie rod threads for damage
    • The tie rod ends for damage
    • The ball stud threads for damage
    • The adjuster tube for bending
    • The adjuster tube for damaged threads
  14. Clean the following components:
  15. • The ball stud threads
    • The ball stud nut
    • The tapered surfaces

Installation Procedure

    Important: If the tie rod ends were removed, lubricate the tie rod ends with chassis lubricant.

  1. Connect the tie rod ends to the adjuster tube.
  2. Ensure that the number of threads on both the inner and the outer tie rod ends are equal within three threads.


    Object Number: 291234  Size: SH
  3. Install the inner tie rod ball stud to the relay rod.
  4. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    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.

  5. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194 .
  6. Tighten
    Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  7. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from inner tie rod ball stud.
  8. Install the new nut to the inner tie rod ball stud.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the inner tie rod ball stud nut to the relay rod to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 291231  Size: SH
  10. Connect the outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle.
  11. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.


    Object Number: 689037  Size: SH
  12. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194 .
  13. Tighten
    Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  14. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from outer tie rod ball stud.
  15. Install the nut to the outer tie rod ball stud.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod ball stud nut to the steering knuckle to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

    Important: Do not back the nut off in order to align the cotter pin hole. Advance the nut in order to align the nut slot with the cotter pin hole.

  17. Install the new cotter pin to the outer tie rod stud nut.
  18. Spread the cotter pin ends.
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.

  21. Object Number: 291260  Size: SH
  22. Position the two clamps (2) between the locating dimples (1) at either end of the adjuster tube.

  23. Object Number: 397560  Size: SH
  24. The clamps must be positioned within the correct angular travel, as shown.
  25. Ensure that the clamp slot (2) is not aligned with the adjuster tube slot (1).
  26. Maintain the position of each tie rod end as the clamps are tightened in order to ensure free movement of each joint.

  27. Object Number: 298  Size: SH
  28. When clamps are tightened to specifications, the ends may touch.
  29. Install the adjuster tube clamp bolts.
  30. Tighten
    Tighten the adjuster tube clamp bolts to 21 N·m (16 lb ft).

Tie Rod Replacement 4WD

Tools Required

    • J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
    • J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
    • J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  2. Object Number: 291245  Size: SH
  3. Remove the cotter pin from outer tie rod ball stud nut.
  4. Remove the outer tie rod ball stud nut.

  5. Object Number: 291247  Size: SH
  6. Remove the inner tie rod ball stud nut.

  7. Object Number: 643351  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint.

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

  8. Remove the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle using J 24319-B .

  9. Object Number: 397360  Size: SH
  10. Remove the inner tie rod ball stud from the relay rod using J 6627-A .

  11. Object Number: 291247  Size: SH
  12. Perform the following steps in order to remove the tie rod ends from the adjuster tube:
  13. 7.1. Loosen the clamp bolts.
    7.2. Unscrew the assemblies.
  14. Inspect for the following possible conditions:
  15. • The tie rod ends for damage
    • The tie rod end seals for excessive wear
    • The tie rod threads for damage
    • The tie rod end for damage
    • The ball stud threads for damage
    • The adjuster tube for bending
    • The adjuster tube for damaged threads
  16. Clean the following components:
  17. • The ball stud threads
    • The ball stud nut
    • The tapered surfaces

Installation Procedure

    Important: 

       • If the tie rod ends were removed, lubricate the tie rod ends with chassis lubricant.
       • Ensure that the number of threads on both the inner and the outer tie rod ends are equal within three threads.

  1. Connect the tie rod ends to the adjuster tube.

  2. Object Number: 291247  Size: SH
  3. Install the inner tie rod ball stud to the relay rod.
  4. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

    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.

  5. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194 .
  6. Tighten
    Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  7. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from the inner tie rod ball stud.
  8. Install the new nut to the inner tie rod ball stud.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the inner tie rod ball stud nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 291245  Size: SH
  10. Install the outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle.
  11. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.


    Object Number: 689037  Size: SH
  12. Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194 .
  13. Tighten
    Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  14. Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from the outer tie rod ball stud.
  15. Install the nut to the outer tie rod ball stud.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod ball stud nut to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

    Important: Do not back the nut off in order to align the cotter pin hole. Advance the nut in order to align the nut slot with the cotter pin hole.

  17. Install the new cotter pin to outer tie rod nut.
  18. Spread the cotter pin ends.
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.

  21. Object Number: 291260  Size: SH
  22. Position the two clamps (2) between the locating dimples (1) at either end of the adjuster tube.

  23. Object Number: 397560  Size: SH
  24. The clamps must be positioned within the correct angular travel, as shown.
  25. Ensure that the clamp slot (2) is not aligned with the adjuster tube slot (1).
  26. Maintain the position of each tie rod end as the clamps are tightened in order to ensure free movement of each joint.

  27. Object Number: 298  Size: SH
  28. When clamps are tightened to specifications, the ends may touch.
  29. Install the adjuster tube clamp bolts.
  30. Tighten
    Tighten the adjuster tube clamp bolts to 21 N·m (16 lb ft).