Inner Tie Rod: Reassembly

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.

NOTE: If male rack and female inner tie rod, do not apply LOCTITE^(R) .

Install shock damper ring. To prevent internal damage, hold rack with a backup wrench during tie rod installation. Apply Loctite No. 262 to inner tie rod threads. Install inner tie rod onto rack. Tighten inner tie rod to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Stake tie rod fittings as shown in illustration. See Fig 1 .
Ensure inner tie rod pivots freely in all directions, and then stake both sides of inner tie rod to flats on rack. See Fig 1 . Ensure both stakes are okay by inserting a .010" (.25 mm) feeler gauge between rack and tie rod housing. Feeler gauge must not pass between rack and housing stakes.
To complete reassembly, reverse disassembly procedure. Apply grease to inner tie rod and housing before installing boots. Install outer tie rod end with same number of turns as when removed. Adjust toe-in as necessary. See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT. Fill and bleed hydraulic system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under LUBRICATION.

Fig 1: Staking & Inspecting Inner Tie Rod

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.