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Steering Linkage System GMC Sierra 2500

Steering Linkage 6 illustrations ~1814 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Idler Arm Nut at the Relay Rod113 N.m83 lb ft
Idler Arm Nut at the Vehicle Frame165 N.m122 lb ft
Pitman Arm Nut at the Relay Rod125 N.m92 lb ft
Pitman Arm Nut at the Steering Gear370 N.m273 lb ft
Steering Linkage Shock Absorber Nut40 N.m30 lb ft
Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod110 N.m81 lb ft
Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Nut60 N.m44 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
  1. Elevate the left front of the vehicle and install suitable vehicle support maintaining contact between the right front tire/wheel assembly and the shop floor.
  2. Position the wheels in a straight-ahead position and install J 42640 steering column anti-rotation pin.
  3. Install a dial indicator between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering knuckle as shown and push slowly inward with one hand to remove the lash.
  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 steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering linkage inner tie rod nut and attach the other end to the relay rod as shown and push slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove the lash.
  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 slowly inward on the tire with one hand to remove the lash.
  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).
  9. Elevate the right front of vehicle and install a suitable vehicle support maintaining contact between the left front tire/wheel assembly and the shop floor.
  10. Install a dial indicator between the steering linkage outer tie rod and the steering knuckle as shown and push slowly inward with one hand to remove the lash.
  11. 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).
  12. Install the dial indicator between the steering linkage outer tie rod end and the relay rod as shown and push slowly inward with one hand to remove the lash.
  13. 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).

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement
Scheme 1: Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Remove the front tire/wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 60 (44 lb ft)
2Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Nut Procedure Only loosen the steering linkage inner tie rod nut. Do not remove it.
3Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Procedure Use J 24319-B steering linkage and tie rod puller to separate the steering linkage outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Inspect the steering linkage inner tie rod for bent or damaged threads. Repair or replace the steering linkage inner tie rod as necessary. Refer to Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement . Clean the tapered surface of the steering knuckle. Lubricate the steering linkage inner tie rod threads with chassis lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations . Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment . Special Tools J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement

Removal Procedure

  1. If you are removing the left steering linkage inner tie rod, turn the steering wheel to the right. If you are removing the right steering linkage inner tie rod, turn the steering wheel to the left.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  3. Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system) .
  4. Remove the steering linkage inner tie rod (1) from the relay rod.

Installation Procedure

  1. Remove all traces of oil, grease, or other contaminants.
  2. Clean the threads of the steering linkage inner 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 steering linkage inner tie rod.
  4. Install the steering linkage inner tie rod (1) to the relay rod and tighten to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  5. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system) .
  6. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-steering-wheel-angle) .
  7. Lower the vehicle.

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 and support it with jackstands. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Position the wheels straight-ahead and install J 42640 steering column anti-rotation pin.
  3. Install J 45101 hub and wheel runout gauge between the idler arm and the vehicle frame. Ensure the runout gauge is at zero before taking the measurement.
  4. Place J 35999 spring scale near the relay rod end of the idler arm.
  5. Exert a 110 (25 lb) force upward and then downward while measuring the total distance the idler arm moves.
  6. If the movement exceeds 2 mm (0.078 in) then replace the idler arm.
  7. Install the runout gauge at the idler arm.
  8. Push the tire inward slowly with one hand to remove any lash. Zero out the runout gauge 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 the movement is more than 1 mm (0.039 in) then replace the idler arm.

Idler Arm Replacement

Special Tools

J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

  1. Remove the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to «Engine Shield Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  2. Remove the idler arm nut (3) from the idler arm (1).
  3. Separate the idler arm (1) from the relay rod (2).
  4. Remove the idler arm from the relay rod using J 24319-B steering linkage and tie rod puller.
  5. Remove the idler arm bolts (3) and the nuts (1) at the vehicle frame.
  6. Remove the idler arm (2) from the vehicle.
  1. Position the idler arm (2) to the vehicle frame.
  2. Install the idler arm bolts (3) and nuts (1) to the frame and tighten to 165 (122 lb ft).
  3. Install the idler arm (1) to the relay rod (2).
  4. Install the new idler arm nut (3) to the idler arm (1) and tighten to 113 (83 lb ft).
  5. Install the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to «Engine Shield Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  6. Adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-steering-wheel-angle) .

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Relay Rod Replacement (SRW Except Crew Cab With SRW)
Scheme 2: Relay Rod Replacement (SRW Except Crew Cab With SRW)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement . Remove the steering linkage shock absorber from the relay rod, if equipped. Refer to Steering Linkage Shock Absorber Replacement . Remove the steering linkage outer tie rods. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
1Steering Linkage Idler Arm Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Remove the idler arm nut. Discard the nut. Install a NEW idler arm nut. Tighten 113 N.m (83 lb ft)
2Pitman Arm Nut Procedure Remove the pitman arm nut and the relay rod bushing. Discard the nut. Install the relay rod bushing and a NEW pitman arm nut. Tighten 125 N.m (92 lb ft)
3Steering Linkage Relay Rod Bushing
4Steering Linkage Relay Rod Procedure Separate the relay rod from the idler arm using the J-24319-B puller. Separate the relay rod from the pitman arm using the CH-49824 puller and the J-24420-C puller. Transfer components as necessary. Refer to Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement . Inspect the threads and seals on all steering related components. Repair or replace the components as necessary. After the installation is complete, measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment . Special Tools CH-49824 Steering Linkage Puller J-24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller J-24420-C Crankshaft Balancer Puller For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Relay Rod Replacement (SRW Except Crew Cab With SRW)

Relay Rod Replacement (Dual Rear Wheels or Crew Cab With SRW)

Special Tools

J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

  1. Remove the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to «Engine Shield Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  2. Remove the steering linkage shock absorber from the relay rod, if equipped. Refer to «Steering Linkage Shock Absorber Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system__steering-linkage-shock-absorber-replacement) .
  3. Remove the steering linkage outer tie rods. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system) .
  4. Remove the idler arm nut (6). Discard the nut.
  5. Separate the idler arm (1) from the relay rod (5) using the J 24319-B puller.
  6. Remove the pitman arm nut (4). Discard the nut.
  7. Separate the pitman arm (2) from the relay rod using the J 24319-B puller.
  8. Remove the relay rod assembly from the vehicle.
  9. Remove the inner tie rods from the relay rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system) .
  10. Inspect the threads and seals on all steering related components. Repair or replace the components as necessary.
  1. Install the inner tie rods to the relay rod. Refer to «Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system) .
  2. Position the relay rod assembly in the vehicle.
  3. Install a NEW pitman arm nut (4) and tighten to 125 N.m (92 lb ft).
  4. Install a NEW idler arm nut (6) and tighten to 113 N.m (83 lb ft).
  5. Install the steering linkage outer tie rods. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system) .
  6. Install the steering linkage shock absorber to the relay rod, if equipped. Refer to «Steering Linkage Shock Absorber Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/steering-linkage/#steering-linkage-system__steering-linkage-shock-absorber-replacement) .
  7. Install the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to «Engine Shield Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  8. Adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) , and/or «Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-steering-wheel-angle) .

Steering Linkage Shock Absorber Replacement

Special Tools

J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

  1. Remove the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to «Engine Shield Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  2. Remove the steering linkage shock absorber nut (1) from the steering linkage shock absorber (2).
  3. Remove the steering linkage shock absorber from the relay rod using J 24319-B steering linkage and tie rod puller.
  4. Remove the steering linkage shock absorber bolt (2) and nut (3).
  5. Remove the steering linkage shock absorber (1) from the vehicle.
  6. Inspect the following parts: The steering linkage shock absorber for leaks and damage The steering linkage shock absorber bolt for damage or corrosion
  1. Install the steering linkage shock absorber (2) to the vehicle.
  2. Install the steering linkage shock absorber (4) and nuts (1, 3).
  3. Install the steering linkage shock absorber nuts (1, 3) and tighten to 40 (30 lb ft).
  4. Install the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to «Engine Shield Replacement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .

Pitman Arm Replacement

Special Tools

CH-47965 Pitman Arm Puller

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

  1. Remove the steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Rack and Pinion)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) , «Steering Gear Replacement (HP2)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-gear-replacement-hp2) , «Steering Gear Replacement (L96)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-gear-replacement-l96) , «Steering Gear Replacement (6.6L)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  2. Place the steering gear into a vise.
  3. Remove the pitman arm nut (1) and washer (2).
  4. Remove the pitman arm from the pitman arm shaft using CH-47965 puller.
  1. Install the pitman arm onto the steering gear.
  2. Install a new pitman arm washer (2) and nut (1) and tighten to 370 N.m (273 lb ft).
  3. Remove the steering gear from the vise.
  4. Install the steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Rack and Pinion)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) , «Steering Gear Replacement (HP2)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-gear-replacement-hp2) , «Steering Gear Replacement (L96)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-gear-replacement-l96) , «Steering Gear Replacement (6.6L)»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  5. Adjust the front toe. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) , and/or «Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment»(/gmc/sierra-2500/2012-2012/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-steering-wheel-angle) .

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 CH-47965 Pitman Arm Puller CH-49824 Steering Linkage Puller J-24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller J-24420-C Crankshaft Balancer Puller J-35999 Spring Scale J-42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin J-45101 Hub and Wheel Runout Gauge

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Special Tools
Scheme 3: Special Tools

Scheme 4

Scheme 4
Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 5
Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6