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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003TRAILBLAZER 4.2 S, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1124 (POWER STEERING SYSTEM)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSTIE ROD REPLACEMENT - INNERASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WD

Assembly Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Assembly Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Aztek and 2004 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: Connecting Inner Tie Rod To Rack
    GM761506Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Slide the shock dampener (4) forward onto the rack (3).
    2. IMPORTANT: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check LOCTITE®, or equivalent, container for expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.
    If male rack (3) and female inner tie rod (2) do not apply LOCTITE®.
  2. If female rack (3) and male inner tie rod (2), apply LOCTITE® 262, or equivalent, to the inner tie rod threads.
  3. Attach the inner tie rod onto the rack (3).
    4. NOTE: Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  4. Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
    5. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice Cautions and Notices.
  5. Place a torque wrench and J 34028  on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2). See Special Tools and Equipment .

    Tighten:  Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).

    6. Fig 2: Tighten The Inner Tie Rod To Rack
    GM761516Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Slide the shock dampener (2) forward onto the rack.
    7. IMPORTANT: Threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application. Check LOCTITE®, or equivalent, container for expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat threads.
    If male rack and female inner tie rod (1) do not apply LOCTITE®.
  7. If female rack and male inner tie rod (1), apply LOCTITE® 262, or equivalent, to the inner tie rod threads.
  8. Attach the inner tie rod (1) onto the rack.
    9. NOTE: Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  9. Place a pipe wrench on the rack next to the inner tie rod housing (4).
  10. Place a torque wrench and J 34028  on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (7). See Special Tools and Equipment .

    Tighten:  Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).

    11. Fig 3: Staking Both Sides Of Female Inner Tie Rod Assembly Housing To The Male Rack
    GM416139Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Place the inner tie rod assembly (2) in a vise.
    12. IMPORTANT: If female rack (1) and male inner tie rod (2) do not stake. If male rack (1) and female inner tie rod (2) you must stake.
  12. Stake both sides of the female inner tie rod assembly housing to the male rack.
    13. Fig 4: Inserting Gage Between Rack & Inner Tie Rod Housing
    GM416141Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Insert a 0.25 mm gage (1) between the rack (2) and the inner tie rod housing in order to check both stakes. The feeler gauge (1) must not pass between the rack and the housing stake.
    14. Fig 5: Identifying Shock Dampener & Inner Tie Rod Housing
    GM297398Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Slide the shock dampener (2) over the inner tie rod housing (3) until the front lip of the shock dampener (2) bottoms against the inner tie rod housing (3).
  15. To assemble the rack and pinion boot and the breather tube. Refer to Rack and Pinion Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .
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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

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  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.