Steering Linkage System: Removal & Installation GMC Cutaway G3500

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-478431-S02322330072012061100000) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-478443-S27924613522012061100000) .
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»(ref-478478-S09421709032012061100000) .
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»(ref-478443-S27924613522012061100000) .
5. Lower the vehicle.
6. Adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(ref-478551-S32673632772012061100000) .

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-478431-S02322330072012061100000) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-478443-S27924613522012061100000) .
3. Remove the outer tie rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(ref-478557-S05323130972012061100000) .
4. Loosen the inner tie rod to relay rod retaining nut using «J 34028»(ref-478557-S13400574352012061100000) .
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»(ref-478557-S13400574352012061100000) and tighten to 112 N.m (83 lb ft).
5. Install the outer tie rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(ref-478557-S05323130972012061100000) .
6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-478443-S27924613522012061100000) .
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(ref-478551-S32673632772012061100000) .

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-478431-S02322330072012061100000) .
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»(ref-478488-S19991874292012061100000) .
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»(ref-478551-S32673632772012061100000) .

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-478431-S02322330072012061100000) .
2. Loosen the inner tie rods to relay rod retaining nuts using «J 34028»(ref-478557-S13400574352012061100000) .
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»(ref-478488-S19991874292012061100000) .
8. Disconnect the relay rod from the pitman arm using the «J 24319-B»(ref-478478-S09421709032012061100000) .
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»(ref-478557-S13400574352012061100000) to 112 N.m (83 lb ft).
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(ref-478551-S32673632772012061100000) .

1. Raise and suitable support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-478431-S02322330072012061100000) .
2. Remove the power steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion)»(ref-478492-S40363500952012061100000) , «Steering Gear Replacement (Recirculating Ball)»(ref-478492-S31862772772012061100000) .
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»(ref-478557-S13400574352012061100000) or «J 29107-A»(ref-478557-S13400574352012061100000) .

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»(ref-478430-S14976206932012061100000) .
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 (Rack and Pinion)»(ref-478492-S40363500952012061100000) , «Steering Gear Replacement (Recirculating Ball)»(ref-478492-S31862772772012061100000) .
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(ref-478551-S32673632772012061100000) .