2002 Silverado - isolating rack when replacing inner tierods

STONGREG

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

Was looking to replace both inner and outer tie rods. I'm comfortable with replacing outer, but for inner, instructions say "NOTE. The rack must be held from rotating to avoid internal damage to the gear. Use a wrench placed across rack teeth".

I was wondering if anyone knew exactly how this was done?

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

After you remove the outer tie rod, slip the rack boot off the arm. Turn the steering wheel until the inner part of the rack is acessible. Place a wrench on the inner rack to hold it while you loosen the inner tie rod

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Tuesday, December 5th, 2006 AT 4:26 PM

STONGREG

MEMBER
2 POSTS

In addition, I have conflicting information about using a wrench to isolate the rack when removing the inner tie rod. The instructions that come with the tie rod indicate to use a wrench both removing and installing the new tie rod, while some instructions at autozone online site states "Notice: Do not change the rack bearing preload adjustment before removing the inner tie rod from the steering rack. This could cause damage to the pinion or the steering rack or both" and "Important: Do not hold the steering rack while removing the inner tie rod if the preload adjustment has not been changed".

So which one do I believe?

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Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 AT 7:27 AM