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

Disassembly Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Disassembly 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: Identifying Inner Tie Rod Components
    GM761497Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. To remove the rack and pinion boot and the breather tube. Refer to Rack and Pinion Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .
  2. Place the gear in a vise.
    3. NOTE: Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.
  3. Remove the shock dampener (4) from the inner tie rod housing (6).
  4. Slide the shock dampener (4) back on the rack (5).
  5. Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice .
  6. Place a pipe wrench on the rack (5) next to the inner tie rod housing (6).
  7. Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (6).
  8. Rotate the inner tie rod housing (6) counterclockwise, while holding the rack stationary, until the inner tie rod separates from the rack (5).
    9. Fig 2: Separating Inner Tie Rod From Rack
    GM761498Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the shock dampener (3) from the inner tie rod housing (2).
  10. Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice .
  11. Slide the shock dampener (3) back on the rack (5).
    12. NOTE: Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  12. Place a pipe wrench on the rack.
  13. Place a wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).
  14. Rotate the inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise, while holding the rack stationary, until the inner tie rod (1) separates from the rack (5).
    15. Fig 3: Identifying Tie Rod Male & Female Ends
    GM800453Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. If female rack (1) and male inner tie rod (3), remove the old LOCTITE® from the threads (2) of the inner tie rod and the rack.

    If male rack (5) and female inner tie rod (4) LOCTITE® will not be present.

RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • 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.