Steering Linkage (Non-Rack & Pinion) Cadillac Escalade GMT800

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Steering Linkage Inspection

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle on safety stands. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting-avalanche__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. With the aid of an assistant, move the tire back and forth.
4. Inspect for excessive vertical or lateral movement and/or looseness in the pivot joints. Tie rod ends Idler arm Pitman arm
5. Replace any worn or damaged pivot joints.

Tools Required

1. J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
2. J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer-14 mm

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting-avalanche__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information. Important: Use the J 24319-B in order to separate all the tie rods and ball joints.
2. Remove the nut (2) from the outer tie rod ball stud (3).
3. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. Important: Do not reuse the nut.
4. Remove the tie rod end from the shaft by loosening the jam nut.
5. Remove the outer tie rod end from the relay rod.
6. Inspect the shaft (6) for bent or damaged threads.
7. Clean the tapered surface of the steering knuckle (1).

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

1. Lubricate the tie rod threads with chassis lubricant.
2. Install the tie rod end (4) to the shaft (6).
3. Install the outer tie rod ball stud (3) to the steering knuckle (1). NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
4. Use the J 29194 in order to install the outer tie rod ball stud. Tighten Tighten the J 29194 to 54 N.m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.
5. Install the new prevailing torque nut (2) to the outer rod ball stud (3). Tighten Tighten the nut to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).
6. Adjust the front toe. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITH REAR WHEEL STEERING) or MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITHOUT REAR WHEEL STEERING) in Wheel Alignment.

J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Scheme 7

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting-avalanche__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped.
3. Remove the outer tie rod end. Refer to «TIE ROD REPLACEMENT»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion) .
4. Remove the inner tie rod end using the J 34028 (2).

Installation Procedure

Important: Perform the following procedure before installing the new tie rod ends

Scheme 8

1. Remove all traces of the oil, grease, or other contaminants.
2. Clean the threads of the tie rod with denatured alcohol or the equivalent and allow to dry.
3. Apply red LOCTITE Threadlocker, GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to the threads of the inner tie rod. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
4. Install the inner tie rod to the relay rod. Tighten Using the J 34028 (2) tighten the tie rod to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
5. Install the outer tie rod end. Refer to «TIE ROD REPLACEMENT»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion) .
6. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS in Wheel Alignment.

1. J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
2. J 29193 . Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
3. J 29194 . Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)

Removal Procedure

Note. Do not attempt to free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or wedge type tool, because seal or bushing damage could result. Use the proper tool to separate all ball joints.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting-avalanche__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped.
3. Remove the idler arm ball stud nut (10). Do not reuse the idler arm ball stud nut.
4. Remove the idler arm from the relay rod using the J24319-B
5. Remove the idler arm frame bolts (3) and the nuts (1).
6. Remove the idler arm (2) from the vehicle.

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

1. Position the idler arm (2) on the frame. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
2. Install the frame bolts (3) and the nuts (1) to the idler arm. Tighten Tighten the frame bolts to 99 N.m (73 lb ft).
3. Install the relay rod (9) to the idler arm ball stud (1). Ensure the seal is on the stud.
4. Use the J 29193 in order to seat the tapers. Tighten Tighten the J 29193 or the J 29194 to 54 N.m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.
5. Install the new idler arm ball stud prevailing torque nut to the idler arm ball stud. Tighten Tighten the nut to 62 N.m (46 lb ft).
6. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITH REAR WHEEL STEERING) or MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITHOUT REAR WHEEL STEERING) in Wheel Alignment.

1. J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
2. J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
3. J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting-avalanche__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped.
3. Remove the steering damper from the relay rod, if equipped. Refer to «STEERING DAMPER REPLACEMENT»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion) . Important: Use the proper tool in order to separate all the tie rod and the ball joints.
4. Remove the tie rod ends (6). Refer to «TIE ROD REPLACEMENT»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion) .
5. Remove the idler arm ball stud nut (10). Do not reuse the nut.
6. Remove the pitman arm nut (8). Do not reuse the nut.
7. Remove the relay rod from the idler arm ball stud using the J24319-B .
8. Remove the relay rod from the pitman arm ball stud using the J24319-B .
9. Remove the relay rod from the vehicle.
10. Inspect the threads on the tie rod ends for damage.
11. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
12. Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive damage.
13. Clean the threads on the ball studs.

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

1. Install the relay rod (9) to the vehicle.
2. Install the relay rod (9) to the pitman arm ball stud (2). NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
3. Install the relay rod (9) to the idler arm ball stud (1).
4. Ensure the seal is on the stud.
5. Install the J 29193 or the J 29194 .
6. Tighten the steering linkage installer in order to seat the tapers. Tighten Tighten the steering linkage installer to 54 N.m (40 lb ft).
7. Remove the J 29193 or the J 29194 .
8. Install the new pitman arm prevailing torque nut.
9. Install the new idler arm prevailing torque nut. Tighten Tighten the nuts to 62 N.m (46 lb ft).
10. Install the tie rod ends. Refer to «TIE ROD REPLACEMENT»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion) .
11. Install the steering dampener to the relay rod, if equipped. Refer to «STEERING DAMPER REPLACEMENT»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion) .
12. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITH REAR WHEEL STEERING) or MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITHOUT REAR WHEEL STEERING) in Wheel Alignment.

1. J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
2. J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer-12 mm

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting-avalanche__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped. Important: Do not reuse the nut.
3. Remove the steering damper (2) ball stud nut (1).
4. Remove the steering damper ball stud from the relay rod using the J 24319-B. Important: Do not reuse the nut.
5. Remove the steering damper mounting bolt (5) and the nut (6).
6. Remove the steering damper (4) from the vehicle.
7. Inspect the following parts: The steering damper for leaks and damage The mounting bolts and the nuts for damage or corrosion

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

1. Install the steering damper (4).
2. Install the mounting bolt (5) and a new prevailing torque nut (6).
3. Install the steering damper ball stud (2) to the relay rod (3). NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
4. Install the J 29193 .
5. Tighten the steering linkage installer in order to seat the ball stud in the relay rod. Tighten Tighten the installer to 54 N.m (40 lb ft).
6. Remove the J 29193.
7. Install the prevailing torque nuts. Tighten Tighten the mounting nut to 40 N.m (30 lb ft). Tighten Tighten the ball stud nut to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).
8. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped.
9. Lower the vehicle.

1. J 6632-01 Pitman Arm Puller
2. J29107- A Pitman Arm Puller

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting-avalanche__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the power steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
3. Install the power steering gear into a vise.
4. Remove the pitman arm nut and washer.
5. Remove the pitman arm from the pitman shaft using J 6632-01 or J 29107-A.

Scheme 26

1. Install the pitman arm to the power steering gear. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
2. Install a new pitman arm washer and nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 250 N.m (184 lb ft).
3. Remove the power steering gear from the vise.
4. Install the power steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITH REAR WHEEL STEERING) or MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT (WITHOUT REAR WHEEL STEERING) in Wheel Alignment.

Steering Linkage Description

The steering linkage consists of the following components

1. A pitman arm
2. An idler arm
3. A relay rod
4. 2 adjustable tie rods When you turn the steering wheel, the steering gear rotates the pitman arm which forces the relay rod to one side. The tie rods connect to the relay rod with the ball studs. The tie rods transfer the steering force to the wheels. Use the tie rods in toe adjustments. The tie rods are adjustable. The pitman arm support the relay rod. The idler arm pivots on a support attached to the frame rail and the ball stud attaches to the relay rod. The 2 tie rod are threaded into the tube and secured with jam nuts. Right and left hand threads are used in order to permit the adjustment of toe.

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

See also:
• LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE
• FASTENER NOTICE
• TIE ROD REPLACEMENT