Repair 7

How to Replace Inner Tie Rods in a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado

The inner tie rod of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado connects the outer tie rod to the center link. The center link crosses the center of the vehicle to link the driver and passenger side tire to move both tires the same distance on each side as the steering wheel turns. The inner tie rods screw directly into the center link, and is engineered with a ball and socket design much like a hip socket. The linkage allows the wheel to turn while holding the tire precisely in line with the steering wheel. Over time, the ball and socket wears and the tie rod must be replaced to eliminate play between the tire and the steering wheel.

Instructions

1

Park the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado on a hard flat level surface such as the concrete floor of a garage. Set the parking brake. Block the rear tires with wheel chocks to prevent the truck rolling.

2

Jack the truck with an automotive jack. Place jack stands under the frame rails where the control arms attach. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.

3

Measure the length of the inner and outer tie rod steering linkage with the tape measure. Write down the measurement and where the measurement was taken from on the scrap piece of paper with a pencil.

4

Break loose the inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut with a metric wrench.

5

Remove the outer tie rod to steering knuckle retaining nut with a 3/8-inch drive socket and ratchet. Hit the side of the steering knuckle where the outer tie rods ball stud attaches several times to break the outer tie rod free from the steering knuckle. Remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

6

Unscrew the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod by hand. Use metric wrenches to turn the outer tie rod and prevent the inner tie rod from turning if necessary.

7

Find the appropriate insert from the inner tie rod tool to firmly hold the flats of the inner tie rod where it attaches to the center link. Install the sleeve of the inner tie rod tool over the tie rod to engage the insert and lock the insert into place. Attach the 1/2-inch drive long handled ratchet to the inner tie rod tool. Unscrew the inner tie rod from the center link.

8

Install the new inner tie rod using the tie rod tool. Thread the inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam nut down the shaft by hand.

9

Thread the outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod to approximately the same position it was in before. Attach the tie rod to the steering knuckle, torquing the retaining nut with a 3/8-inch drive socket and ratchet.

10

Measure the tie rod assembly again at the same points. Turn the main shaft of the inner tie rod with a wrench until the measurements match exactly. Tighten the jam nut while preventing the inner tie rod shaft from turning.

11

Lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Remove the wheel chocks. Release the parking brake.

12

Align the vehicle to the factory specifications with an alignment machine for proper handling and minimal tire wear.