Steering Linkage Inspection

2006 Chevrolet Suburban C2500, 6.0 USECTION Steering Linkage Inspection
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Special Tools

  • J 45101Β  Hub and Wheel Runout Gauge
  • 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. Fig 1: Locking/Unlocking Steering Column
    GM333146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Position the wheels in a straight-ahead position and install anti-rotation pin J 42640 .
  4. Fig 2: Installing Dial Indicator Between The Outer Tie Rod And Steering Knuckle
    GM1557558Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. 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.
  6. 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).

  7. Fig 3: Dial Indicator Between Outer Tie Rod End & Jam Nut
    GM1557565Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. 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.
  9. 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).

  10. Fig 4: Dial Indicator Between The Pitman Arm And Relay Rod
    GM1557556Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. 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.
  12. Fig 5: Measuring Movement In Left Side Joint
    GM1557561Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  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).

  14. Fig 6: Elevating Right Front Of Vehicle
    GM1557559Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. 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.
  16. Fig 7: Dial Indicator Between Outer Tie Rod And Steering Knuckle
    GM1557557Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. 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.
  18. Fig 8: Noting Amount Of Movement In Right Side Joint
    GM1557564Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. 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).

  20. Fig 9: Dial Indicator Between Outer Tie Rod End And Relay Rod
    GM1557562Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. 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.
  22. Fig 10: Noting Amount Of Movement In Right Side Tie Rod End
    GM1557563Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  23. 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).

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

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

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.