Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the rack and pinion boot. Refer to Rack and Pinion Boot Replacement - Off Vehicle .
- Place the gear in a vise.
- Separate the shock dampener (4) from inner tie rod assembly (2).
- Slide the shock dampener back on the rack (3).
- Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
- Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
- Rotate the inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod separates from the rack (3).
- At the other gear end, separate the shock dampener (3) from inner tie rod assembly (2).
- Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the rack (4).
- Maintain the pipe wrench on the opposite end of the rack (6).
- Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
- Rotate the inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise until the inner tie rod separates from the rack (4).
- Remove old LOCTITE® from the threads (1) of the rack (3) and inner tie rod (2).
IMPORTANT:
The boot and retaining clamps must be replaced when replacing the inner tie rod.
IMPORTANT:
Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. This could result in damage to both the pinion and the steering gear.
IMPORTANT:
The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear (1) and positioned up against the inner tie rod housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear (1).
IMPORTANT:
The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the steering gear (5). Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will cause damage to the steering gear (5).