Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important:

If the tie rod ends were removed, lubricate the tie rod ends with chassis lubricant.
Ensure that the number of threads on both the inner and the outer tie rod ends are equal within three threads.

Connect the tie rod ends to the adjuster tube.
Install the inner tie rod ball stud to the relay rod. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.

Fig 1: Installing Tie Rod Ends To Adjuster Tube
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194.
Tighten

Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 N.m (40 lb ft).
Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from the inner tie rod ball stud.
Install the new nut to the inner tie rod ball stud.
Tighten

Tighten the inner tie rod ball stud nut to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).
Install the outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle.
Ensure that the seal is on the stud.

Fig 2: Installing Outer Tie Rod Ball Stud To Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Seat the taper using J 29193 or J 29194.
Tighten

Tighten J 29193 or J 29194 to 54 N.m (40 lb ft).
Remove J 29193 or J 29194 from the outer tie rod ball stud.
Install the nut to the outer tie rod ball stud.
Tighten

Tighten the outer tie rod ball stud nut to 53 N.m (39 lb ft).

Fig 3: Tightening Outer Tie Rod Ball Stud Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Do not back the nut off in order to align the cotter pin hole. Advance the nut in order to align the nut slot with the cotter pin hole.
Install the new cotter pin to outer tie rod nut.
Spread the cotter pin ends.
Lower the vehicle.
Adjust the front toe. Refer to FRONT TOE ADJUSTMENT in Wheel Alignment.
Position the two clamps (2) between the locating dimples (1) at either end of the adjuster tube.

Fig 4: Positioning Two Clamps Between Dimples At Either End Of Adjuster Tube
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
The clamps must be positioned within the correct angular travel, as shown.
Ensure that the clamp slot (2) is not aligned with the adjuster tube slot (1).
Maintain the position of each tie rod end as the clamps are tightened in order to ensure free movement of each joint.

Fig 5: Identifying Correct Angular Travel Position Of Adjuster Tube Clamp Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
When clamps are tightened to specifications, the ends may touch.
Install the adjuster tube clamp bolts.
Tighten

Tighten the adjuster tube clamp bolts to 21 N.m (16 lb ft).

Fig 6: Identifying Correct Tightening Position Of Adjuster Tube Clamp Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.