Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

To remove the rack and pinion boot. Refer to RACK AND PINION BOOT REPLACEMENT - OFF VEHICLE .
Place the gear in a vise.
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.
Remove the shock dampener (6) from the inner tie rod housing (4).
Slide the shock dampener (6) back on the rack (5).

Fig 1: Placing Pipe Wrench
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: 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 (5) next to the inner tie rod housing (4).
Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (4).
Rotate the inner tie rod housing (4) counterclockwise, while holding the rack stationary, until the inner tie rod separates from the rack (5).
Remove the shock dampener (3) from the inner tie rod housing (2).
Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the rack (5).
NOTE: Refer to PIPE WRENCH POSITIONING NOTICE .
Place a pipe wrench on the rack.
Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
Rotate the inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise, while holding the rack stationary, until the inner tie rod (1) separates from the rack (5).

Fig 2: Separating Inner Tie Rod From Rack
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
If female rack (1) and male inner tie rod (3), remove the old LOCTITE® from the threads (2) of the inner tie rod (3) and the rack (1).
If male rack (5) and female inner tie rod (4) LOCTITE® will not be present.

Fig 3: Identifying Female & Male Rack
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.