Steering Linkage (Non-Rack & Pinion) Chevrolet Chevy Express H2500

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Steering Linkage Inspection

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle on safety stands.
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.

Tie Rod Replacement - Outer

Tools Required

J-24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

Scheme 1

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1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
3. Remove the outer tie rod to steering knuckle retaining nut.
4. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle using the J-24319-B .
5. Loosen the jam nut (2) and remove the outer tie rod (1) from the inner tie rod (3).
6. Inspect the shaft for bent or damaged threads.
7. Clean the tapered surface of the steering knuckle.

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Scheme 5

1. Lubricate the inner tie rod (3) threads with a suitable chassis lubricant before installing the outer tie rod (1).
2. Install the outer tie rod (1) to the inner tie rod (3). Do not tighten jam nut at this time. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the outer tie rod to steering knuckle retaining nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).
4. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in «SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) .

Tie Rod Replacement - Inner

Tools Required

J-34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Scheme 6

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Scheme 8

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
3. Remove the outer tie rod. Refer to «Tie Rod Replacement - Outer»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion__tie-rod-replacement-outer) .
4. Loosen the inner tie rod to relay rod retaining nut using J-34028 .
5. Remove the inner tie rod to the relay rod retaining nut. Discard old nut.
6. Remove the inner tie rod from the vehicle.
7. Inspect the shaft for bent or damaged threads.
8. Clean the tapered surface of the steering knuckle.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Lubricate the inner tie rod threads with a suitable chassis lubricant before installing the outer tie rod.
2. Install the inner tie rod to the vehicle.
3. Install the inner tie rod to relay rod retaining nut. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
4. Tighten the inner tie rod to relay rod retaining nut using J-34028 . Tighten Tighten the nut to 112 N.m (83 lb ft).
5. Install the outer tie rod. Refer to «Tie Rod Replacement - Outer»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-non-rack-pinion__tie-rod-replacement-outer) .
6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in «SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) .

Idler Arm Replacement

Tools Required

J-43631 Ball Joint Remover

Scheme 12

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Scheme 14

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the idler arm to relay rod retaining nut. Discard the nut.
3. Disconnect the idler arm from the relay rod using the J-43631 .
4. Remove the idler arm to frame mounting bolts.
5. Remove the idler arm from the vehicle.

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Scheme 16

1. Install the idler arm to the frame. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the idler arm to frame mounting bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 150 N.m (111 lb ft).
3. Install the idler arm to the relay rod.
4. Install the new idler arm to relay rod retaining nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in «SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) .

Relay Rod Replacement

Tools Required

1. J-24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
2. J-43631 Ball Joint Remover
3. J-34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

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Scheme 23

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle.
2. Loosen the inner tie rods to relay rod retaining nuts using J-34028 .
3. Remove the inner tie rods to the relay rod retaining nuts.
4. Rotate the steering linkage to remove the inner tie rods from the relay rod.
5. Remove the idler arm to relay rod retaining nut. Discard the nut.
6. Remove the pitman arm retaining nut. Discard the nut.
7. Disconnect the relay rod from the idler arm using the J-43631 .
8. Disconnect the relay rod from the pitman arm using the J-24319-B .
9. Remove the relay rod from the vehicle.

Scheme 24

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Scheme 28

1. Install the relay rod to the vehicle.
2. Install the relay rod to the pitman arm and idler arm. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the new relay rod to the idler arm retaining nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).
4. Install the new relay rod to the pitman arm retaining nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).
5. Install the inner tie rods to the relay rod.
6. Install the inner tie rods to relay rod retaining nuts.
7. Tighten the inner tie rods to relay rod retaining nuts using J-34028 . Tighten Tighten the nuts to 112 N.m (83 lb ft).
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) .

Pitman Arm Replacement

Tools Required

1. J-6632-01 Pitman Arm Puller
2. J-29107-A Universal Pitman Arm Puller

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Scheme 30

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle.
2. Remove the power steering gear. Refer to «POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (NON-RACK AND PINION)»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__power-steering-gear-replacement-non-rack-and) or «POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (RACK AND PINION)»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__power-steering-gear-replacement-rack-and) .
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 31

1. Install the pitman arm to the power steering gear.
2. Align the marks made at the removal on the pitman arm and the pitman arm shaft. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install a new pitman arm washer and nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 250 N.m (184 lb ft).
4. Remove the power steering gear from the vise.
5. Install the power steering gear. Refer to «POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (NON-RACK AND PINION)»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__power-steering-gear-replacement-non-rack-and) or «POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (RACK AND PINION)»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__power-steering-gear-replacement-rack-and) .
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in «SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/chevy-express-h2500/2003-2003/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) .

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.

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See also:
• TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
• SPECIFICATIONS
• POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (NON-RACK AND PINION)
• POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (RACK AND PINION)
• Tie Rod Replacement - Outer