Tie rod replacement instructions please?

MINDY99

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

This past summer I had to replace a front tire because of outer wear. This is a first. I got this car in 2005 and it had 26,000 miles on it. It was one of those guaranteed used cars. I love it. I feel like I pamper it going over potholes, speed bumps, ect. Well, yesterday I went to get the oil changed and the technician came out and told me I needed two outer tie rods desperately. Now recently I have taken my car on the road to "stretch its wings" so to speak at speeds over 85 miles an hour. Would there be shaking if the tie rods were going out? Are they telling me the truth? Should a car this young have tie rod problems. Thank you for your help. I lost my job and I can't donate. I am so sorry.
Mindy

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,913 POSTS

Hi,

A worn tie rod won't always cause a shaking. Most times, you will notice play in the steering or outside or inside tire wear. Also, if one breaks, you will lose control of the steering, so it needs to be checked.

If you lift one front wheel at a time, place your hands at 3 and 6 o'clock and wiggle. If they are bad, you will feel play.

As far as replacement, here are the directions. Note: The vehicle will need to be aligned after this is done. To get it close, count the numbers of rotations the old tie rod takes to remove and then screw the new one on the same number. Or, measure from a fixed location.

The attached pics correlate with the directions.

______________________________________________________

2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo V6-3.4L VIN E
Procedures
Vehicle Steering and Suspension Steering Tie Rod Tie Rod End Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
NOTE: The content of this article / image reflects the changes called out by TSB: 05-02-32-003

Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement

Tools Required
- J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

Removal Procedure

pic 1

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the prevailing torque nut (2) from the outer tie rod assembly (1).

Pic 2

4. Loosen the jam nut (2) on the inner tie rod assembly (1).

Pic 3

Notice: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint.

5. Remove the outer tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle using J24319-B.

Pic 4

6. Remove the outer tie rod assembly (3) from the inner tie rod assembly (1).

Installation Procedure

pic 5

1. Install the outer tie rod assembly (3) to the inner tie rod assembly (1). Do NOT tighten the jam nut (2).

Pic 6

2. Install the outer tie rod assembly (2) to the steering knuckle (1).

Pic 7

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Install the prevailing torque nut (2) to the outer tie rod assembly (1).
Tighten the nut to 30 Nm (22 ft. Lbs.) + 120° of rotation.

NOTE: Visually inspect to ensure that 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 threads are visible past the nylon washer.

Tighten the jam nut to 70 Nm (52 ft. Lbs.).

Pic 8

4. Install tire and wheel assembly.
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Perform a front end alignment.

__________________________________________

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions

Take care and God Bless,

Joe

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