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Steering Linkage System Chevrolet Express G3500

Steering Linkage 5 illustrations ~1795 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Idler Arm to Frame Mounting Bolts150 N.m111 lb ft
Idler Arm to Relay Rod Retaining Nut63 N.m47 lb ft
InnerTie Rod to Relay Rod Retaining Nut112 N.m83 lb ft
Pitman Arm to Relay Rod Retaining Nut63 N.m47 lb ft
Pitman Arm to Steering Gear Retaining Nut250 N.m184 lb ft
Tie Rod to Steering Knuckle Retaining Nut63 N.m47 lb ft

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Steering Linkage Inspection

Tools Required

  1. J 45101 Hub and Wheel Runout Gauge
  2. J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Left Side Steering Linkage

  1. Elevate the left front of the vehicle and install suitable vehicle support maintaining contact between the right front wheel and the shop floor.
  2. Position the wheels in a straight-ahead position and install the J 42640 steering column anti-rotation pin.
  3. Install a dial indicator between the outer tie rod and the steering knuckle as shown and push inward to remove the lash slowly with one hand.
  4. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement in the joint. The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).
  5. Install the dial indicator between the outer tie rod end and the jam nut and attach the other end to the relay rod as shown and push inward on the tire to remove the lash slowly with one hand.
  6. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint. The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).
  7. Install the dial indicator between the pitman arm and the relay rod as shown and push inward on the tire to remove the lash slowly with one hand.
  8. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint. The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).

Right Side Steering Linkage

  1. Elevate the right front of vehicle and install a suitable vehicle support maintaining contact between the left front wheel and the shop floor.
  2. Install a dial indicator between the outer tie rod and the steering knuckle as shown and push inward to remove the lash slowly with one hand.
  3. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint. The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).
  4. Install the dial indicator between the outer tie rod end and the relay rod as shown and push inward to remove the lash slowly with one hand.
  5. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward, and note the amount of movement in the joint. The movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.039 in).

Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement

Special Tools

J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (6-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) , «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (8-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-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 steering linkage and tie rod puller.
  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.

Installation Procedure

  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.
  3. Install the outer tie rod to steering knuckle retaining nut and tighten to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).
  4. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (6-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) , «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (8-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Special Tools

J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

  1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (6-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) , «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (8-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the outer tie rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system__steering-linkage-outer-tie-rod-replacement) .
  4. Loosen the inner tie rod to relay rod retaining nut using J 34028 inner tie rod wrench.
  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.
  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.
  4. Tighten the inner tie rod to relay rod retaining nut using J 34028 inner tie rod wrench and tighten to 112 N.m (83 lb ft).
  5. Install the outer tie rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system__steering-linkage-outer-tie-rod-replacement) .
  6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (6-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) , «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (8-Lug Wheel)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. Adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Idler Arm Inspection

Special Tools

  1. J 35999 Spring Scale
  2. J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin
  3. J 45101 Hub and Wheel Runout Gauge
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Support the vehicle with jackstands. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Position the wheels in a straight-ahead position and install the J 42640 steering column anti-rotation pin.
  3. Install the dial indicator J 45101 hub and wheel runout gauge between the idler arm and vehicle frame. Ensure the gauge is at zero before taking a measurement.
  4. Place a J 35999 spring scale near the relay rod end of the idler arm.
  5. Exert a 110 N.m (25 lb) force upward, and then downward while measuring the total distance the arm moves.
  6. If movement exceeds 2 mm (0.078 in) replace the idler arm.
  7. Install the dial indicator at the idler arm.
  8. Push the tire inward slowly with one hand to remove any lash. Zero out the dial indicator and pull outward in order to take a reading.
  9. Allow only 1 mm (0.039 in) of movement at the idler arm ball stud. If more than 1 mm exists, replace the idler arm.
  10. Lower the vehicle.

Idler Arm Replacement

Special Tools

J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  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 ball joint remover.
  4. Remove the idler arm to frame mounting bolts.
  5. Remove the idler arm from the vehicle.
  1. Install the idler arm to the frame.
  2. Install the idler arm to frame mounting bolts and tighten 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 and tighten to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Relay Rod Replacement

Special Tools

  1. J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
  2. J 43631 Ball Joint Remover
  3. J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench
  1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Loosen the inner tie rods to relay rod retaining nuts using J 34028 inner tie rod wrench.
  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 ball joint remover.
  8. Disconnect the relay rod from the pitman arm using the J 24319-B steering linkage and tie rod puller.
  9. Remove the relay rod from the vehicle.
  1. Install the relay rod to the vehicle.
  2. Install the relay rod to the pitman arm and idler arm.
  3. Install the new relay rod to the idler arm retaining nut and tighten to 63 N.m (47 lb ft).
  4. Install the new relay rod to the pitman arm retaining nut and tighten 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 inner tie rod wrench to 112 N.m (83 lb ft).
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Pitman Arm Replacement

Special Tools

  1. J 6632-01 Pitman Arm Puller
  2. J 29107-A Universal Pitman Arm Puller
  1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the power steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (Recirculating Ball)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-gear-replacement-recirculating-ball) .
  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 pitman arm puller or J 29107-A universal pitman arm puller.
  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: Refer to «Fastener Caution»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/oem-general-information/#dangers-warnings-and-cautions__fastener-caution) .
  3. Install a new pitman arm washer and nut and tighten to 250 N.m (184 lb ft).
  4. Remove the power steering gear from the vise.
  5. Install the power steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (Recirculating Ball)»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-gear-replacement-recirculating-ball) .
  6. Lower the vehicle.
  7. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/express-g3500/2013-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Steering Linkage Description and Operation

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.

Special Tools

Illustration Tool Number/Description J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller J 29107-A Pitman Arm Puller J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench J 35999 Spring Scale J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin J 43631 Ball Joint Remover J 45101 Hub and Wheel Runout Gauge J 6632-01 Pitman Arm Puller

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