GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2005 🢒 GTO 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod nut.
  4. Remove the outer tie rod nut.
  5. Use the OTC 7314A, or equivalent, in order to separate the outer tie rod from the knuckle.

    6. Object Number: 820299 Size: SH
  6. Use paint in order to place matchmarks (2,4) on the following components:
    7. • The inner tie rod (1)
    • The lock nut (3)
    • The outer tie rod (5)
  7. Loosen the lock nut.
  8. Remove the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 820299 Size: SH
  1. Install the outer tie rod (5) to the inner tie rod (1). Align the outer tie rod with the matchmarks (2,4). Do not tighten the lock nut (3).
  2. Ensure the plastic spacer is on the ball stud for the outer tie rod end.
  3. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.

    4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.

  4. Install the outer tie rod nut to the ball stud for the outer tie rod.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 68 N·m (50 lb ft). Align the cotter pin slot by tightening the outer tie rod nut up to 1/6 additional turn, or 85 N·m (63 lb ft) maximum.

  5. Install the cotter pin into the hole in the tie rod stud.
  6. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  7. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment .

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the lock nut against the outer tie rod to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  8. Verify the steering gear boot is not twisted.
  9. Lower the vehicle.