Assembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Regal and 2002 Buick Century. 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).
NOTE: 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).
Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
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 1: Steering Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: 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.
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)

Fig 2: Female Rack And Male Inner Tie Rod
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Place the inner tie rod assembly (2) in a vise.
NOTE: 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.

Fig 3: Inner Tie Rod Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Insert a 0.25 mm gage (1) between the rack (2) and the 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 Both 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: Shock Dampener And Inner Tie Rod Housing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.