Inner Tie Rod: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove outer tie rod end from inner tie rod, noting number of turns required for removal. Remove hex jam nut from inner tie rod. Remove adjusting nut from inner tie rod. Remove outer boot clamp. Cut off and discard inner boot clamp. Mark location of breather tube (if equipped) for reassembly reference. Slide boot from inner tie rod.

NOTE: DO NOT change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.

Slide shock damper ring on inner tie rod assembly back toward rack. Place a wrench on flat side of rack to prevent turning. Place another wrench on flats of inner tie rod. Rotate inner tie rod counterclockwise until it separates from piston and rack. If female rack and male inner tie rod, remove the old LOCTITE^(R) from the threads of the inner tie rod and the rack. If male rack and female inner tie rod LOCTITE^(R) will not be present.