How to replace the outer tie rod 2007 – 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2

Chapter 1:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/3

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/3

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 1:

Step 3/3

Lift the front of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the jack stands. Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 2:

Visualise

Step 1/1

Turn the brake disc inward to make this operation easier. You can now see the outer tie rod.

Chapter 3:

Set up

Step 1/2

The components to be removed are very often seized up, so don’t hesitate to brush and to use penetrating oil to make removal easier.

Chapter 3:

Step 2/2

With a marker, trace a line between the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod. This will be useful later on during its assembly and disassembly.

Chapter 4:

Remove the outer tie rod

Step 1/6

With a 24mm wrench, loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/6

Hold the inner tie rod with a 22mm wrench to prevent it from turning.

Chapter 4:

Step 3/6

Using a ratchet and a 10 mm socket, hold the ball joint to prevent it from turning.

Chapter 4:

Step 4/6

Using a 21mm wrench, unscrew the outer tie rod holding nut.

Chapter 4:

Step 5/6

If you do not have a ball joint puller, a tool specifically designed for this task, take a hammer and hit the knuckle. The ball joint should come out of the knuckle.

Chapter 4:

Step 6/6

Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 5:

Measure

Step 1/2

Use the markings made with the marker to return the locknut to its original position.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/2

Then, measure the distance between the locknut and the end of the inner tie rod using a caliper. In any case, a wheel alignment check will have to be carried out by a professional soon after having performed this operation.

Chapter 6:

Remove the locknut

Step 1/1

Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Chapter 7:

Install the locknut

Step 1/1

Screw the locknut back on until the distance measured with the caliper is reached.

Chapter 8:

Install the new outer tie rod

Step 1/4

Take the new outer tie rod and unscrew the locknut supplied with it.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/4

Put the outer tie rod back in place until it touches the locknut.

Chapter 8:

Step 3/4

Clean the outer tie rod bearing surface with paper towels.

Chapter 8:

Step 4/4

Using a wire brush, scrub the knuckle, then apply silicone grease to the flat part that will be in contact with the sleeve of the outer tie rod. Do not grease the inside of the cone.

Chapter 9:

Finalise the tightening of the locknut

Step 2/4

Put the outer tie rod back in place in the knuckle. Put the nut supplied with the new part in place and tighten it using 1″1/16 wrench.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/4

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/4

Take the cotter pin and fit it into the castle nut. You can now bend the cotter pin.

Chapter 9:

Step 5/4

Finish tightening the locknut using a 24mm wrench by holding the inner tie rod still with the help of a 16 mm wrench to avoid damaging the outer tie rod.

Chapter 10:

Finalise the reassembly

Step 1/1

Screw the grease fitting onto the top of the outer tie rod, by hand at first, then using a 7 mm wrench to lock it in place.

Chapter 11:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/3

Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/3

Put the car back on the ground and block the wheels properly.

Chapter 11:

Step 3/3

Operation complete.