GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 22610 Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 860195  Size: SH

    Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

  1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
  2. Remove wheel and tire.
  3. Important: Removal of splash shield makes access easier.

  4. Remove outer tie rod end as previously described.
  5. Remove inner tie rod-to-outer tie rod lock nut from inner tie rod.

  6. Object Number: 862158  Size: SH
  7. Remove boot clamp (tie rod end).
  8. Remove boot clamp (steering gear housing end) with cutters and discard.
  9. Remove steering gear boot from steering gear.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 864743  Size: SH
  1. Install new boot clamp onto steering gear boot (steering gear housing end).
  2. Apply grease in service kit to locations shown in illustration prior to boot installation. This grease provides a water barrier and must be used to protect internal gear components from corrosion.
  3. Important: The boot has a small pad near the clamp location on the housing end. The boot should be turned so that the pad is toward the front of the vehicle.

    Important: Boot must not be twisted or puckered.

  4. Install boot onto inner tie rod assembly, then slide boot along rod assembly until the large end of the boot is seated in the steering gear housing groove.

  5. Object Number: 862226  Size: SH
  6. Crimp clamp on housing end of boot using J 22610 .
  7. Install clamp on inner tie rod end of boot using J 22610 .
  8. Install inner tie rod-to-outer tie rod lock nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten Tie Rod Lock Nuts 70 N·m (35 lbs ft).

  10. Install outer tie rod and attach to knuckle as previously described.
  11. Notice: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

  12. Position wheel onto hub.
  13. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten Wheel Nuts 140 N·m (103 lbs ft).

  15. Set toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.