Assembly Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Assembly Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Slide the shock dampener (4) forward onto the rack (3).
    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. Place a pipe wrench on the rack (3) next to the inner tie rod housing (2).
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
  5. Place a torque wrench and J 34028  on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (2).

    Tighten 

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

  6. Fig 1: Shock Dampener, Inner Tie Rod Housing & Rack
    G01479586Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Slide the shock dampener (2) forward onto the rack.
    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®

  8. If female rack and male inner tie rod (1), apply LOCTITE® 262, or equivalent, to the inner tie rod threads.
  9. Attach the inner tie rod (1) onto the rack.
  10. Place a pipe wrench on the rack next to the inner tie rod housing (4).
  11. Place a torque wrench and J 34028  on the flats of the inner tie rod housing (7).

    Tighten 

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

  12. Fig 2: Attach Inner Tie Rod Onto Rack
    G01479587Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Place the inner tie rod assembly (2) in a vise.
    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.
  14. Stake both sides of the female inner tie rod assembly housing to the male rack.
  15. Fig 3: Staking Both Sides Of Female Inner Tie Rod Assembly Housing To Male Rack
    G01479588Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  16. Insert a 0.010 inch gage (1) between the rack (2) and the inner tie rod housing in order to check both stakes. The feeler (1) must not pass between the rack and the housing stake.
    Fig 4: Inserting Gage Between Rack & Inner Tie Rod Housing
    G01479589Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. 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).
  18. To assemble the rack and pinion boot and the breather tube. Refer to Rack and Pinion Boot and Breather Tube Replacement - Off Vehicle .
Fig 5: Slide Shock Dampener Over Inner Tie Rod Housing
G01479590Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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.