Steering Linkage GMC Pickup R3500

STEERING SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

All steering component fasteners are made of quality materials. Replacement fasteners must be of same part number or equivalent. Tighten all fasteners to specification. Always use new cotter pins. When installing cotter pins, DO NOT back off castle nuts to align cotter pin hole. Tighten nut to next slot that lines up with hole.

DO NOT hammer on ball studs or damage to threads may result. If threads are not clean and smooth, ball studs may turn in joint when nuts are tightened. Tie rod sleeve clamps must always be positioned as specified before tightening bolts.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

Removal & Installation

1. Remove cotter pin and castle nut. Using Tie Rod Remover (J-6627-A), remove tie rod outer ball stud. Remove inner ball stud from relay rod in same manner.
2. Loosen clamp bolts. Unscrew tie rod end assemblies. Note number of turns needed to remove. If tie rod adjuster clamp bolts are rusted, new nuts and bolts must be used.
3. Apply penetrating oil between clamps and tube. Rotate clamps until they move freely. Use new fasteners. Lubricate tie rod threads with chassis lube. Install tie rod ends. Ensure both ends are threaded an equal distance on tie rod.
4. Check that threads on ball studs and nuts are clean and smooth. Check condition of ball stud seals. Replace seals (if necessary). Install ball studs in steering arms and relay rod.
5. Install castle nuts and new cotter pins. Adjust toe-in. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT section. Before tightening clamp bolts, ensure clamps are between locating dimples at either end of sleeve. Adjuster sleeve slot must not be within open area of clamp jaw opening. (Scheme 9)
6. Position of tie rod end must be maintained while tightening clamps to ensure free travel of each joint. Tighten clamps to specification. Lubricate tie rod ends.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Remove inner ends of tie rods from relay rod. Remove nuts from pitman arm and idler arm or relay arm ball studs at relay rod. Using Steering Linkage Puller (J-24319-01), remove relay rod from pitman and idler arms.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check ball studs and nuts for clean and smooth threads. Check stud seals. Replace seals (if necessary). Tighten nuts. Install new cotter pins.

IDLER ARM REPLACEMENT

Note. Idler arm assembly should always be replaced if an up and down force (forward and rearward on "G" series) of 25 lbs. (11 kg), applied at relay rod end of idler arm, produces a lash of more than 1/8" (3 mm) in straight-ahead position.

1. Place vehicle on hoist. Remove fasteners from ball stud and relay rod. Using Steering Linkage Puller (J-24319-01), remove ball stud from relay rod. Remove idler arm-to-frame bolts. Remove idler arm assembly.
2. Ensure threads on studs and nuts are clean and smooth. Check ball stud seals. Replace seals (if necessary). To install, reverse removal procedure. Check for proper alignment of connecting rod clamps. (Scheme 9)

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

1. Place vehicle on hoist. Remove cotter pin from ball stud. Remove nut. Using Steering Linkage Puller (J-24319-01), remove pitman arm from ball stud.
2. Remove pitman arm nut from shaft or clamp bolt from pitman arm. Index mark arm-to-shaft position. Using Puller (J-6632-01), remove pitman arm from shaft. To install, reverse removal procedure.
3. If a clamp-type pitman arm is used, spread pitman arm with a wedge just enough to slip arm onto shaft by hand pressure. DO NOT hammer on pitman arm or damage to steering gear may result. Be sure to reinstall the hardened steel washer before installing nut.

Removal & Installation (4WD Models)

1. Remove cotter pins from ball studs. Remove castle nuts. Using Steering Linkage Puller (J-24319-01), remove ball studs from steering arm and pitman arm boss.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure threads on studs and nuts are clean and smooth. Check ball stud seals. Replace seals (if necessary).
3. Install connecting rod on steering components. Tighten nuts. Install new cotter pins. Ensure connecting rod clamps are properly aligned.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

After performing appropriate service procedures, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS