Assembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Slide the shock dampener (4) forward onto the rack (3).
Important: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check LOCTITE® (or equivalent) container for expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.

If male rack (3) and female inner tie rod (2) do not apply LOCTITE®.
If female rack (3) and male inner tie rod (2), apply LOCTITE® 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod threads.
Attach the inner tie rod onto the rack (3).
CAUTION: The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.

Fig 1: Installing Shock Dampener
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
CAUTION: 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.
Place a torque wrench and J 34028 on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
Tighten

Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N.m (74 ft lbs).
Slide the shock dampener (2) forward onto the rack.

Fig 2: Installing Inner Tie Rod On Rack
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check LOCTITE® (or equivalent) container for expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.

If male rack and female inner tie rod (1) do not apply LOCTITE®.
If female rack and male inner tie rod (1), apply LOCTITE® 262 (or equivalent) to the inner tie rod threads.
Attach the inner tie rod (1) onto the rack.
CAUTION: The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear.
Place a pipe wrench on the rack next to the inner tie rod housing (4).
Place a torque wrench and J 34028 on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (7).
Tighten

Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N.m (74 ft lbs).
Place the inner tie rod assembly (2) in a vise.
Important: If female rack (1) and male inner tie rod (2) do not stake. If male rack (1) and female inner tie rod (2) you must stake.
Stake both sides of the female inner tie rod assembly housing to the male rack (1).

Fig 3: Staking Tie Rod Assembly Ends
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Insert a 0.25 mm gage (1) between the male rack (2) and the female inner tie rod housing in order to check both stakes. The feeler gauge (1) must not pass between the rack and the housing stake.

Fig 4: Checking Male Rack & Female Inner Tie Rod Housing Stakes
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Slide the shock dampener (2) over the inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener (2) bottoms against the inner tie rod housing (3).
To assemble the rack and pinion boot and the breather tube. Refer to Rack and Pinion Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .

Fig 5: Installing Shock Dampener Over Inner Tie Rod Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.