Inner Tie Rod HELP
 

I've got a 2003 Silverado standard cab short bed 2wd 4.8L with rack and pinion steering. I'm trying to replace the inner tie rod and got it all torn apart tonight. On the rack, there is no flat spot to put a wrench to hold the rack while you unscrew the tie rod. See pics. My service manual says there should be a flat spot to put a wrench. Anyone know whats up and/or how to remove it without damaging the rack?

http://i.imgur.com/1Mx31.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hNPmO.jpg

Re: Inner Tie Rod HELP
 

you need an innner tire rod removal tool

Re: Inner Tie Rod HELP
 

I have the tool with a barrel that slides over the tie rod and a spanner on the end that engages the tie rod end, but no way to keep from transfering all the torque through the rack. Am I missing something? Do I not need to worry about torquing on the rack, just put the tool on and crank away?

Re: Inner Tie Rod HELP
 

Got some input from a past GM Tech my dad knows. He said to not worry about holding on the rack and just crank the tie rod end off. Gonna try it tonight and see what happens.

Re: Inner Tie Rod HELP
 

yeah you dont Have to hold the rack just take it off

Re: Inner Tie Rod HELP
 

Worked pretty good. Just screwed the old one off and screwed the new one back in. Took some force to get it off, but I knew it would. When I got it back together there was some clunking coming from the rack but it seems to have straightened itself out after a few days. I guess by torquing on the rack I might have tweaked something but it seems to have settled back into place.

I didn't realize that there were instructions with the new tie rod end. It said that the flat spot on the rack is only on the drivers side. I only wanted to replace the passenger side (yeah I know, I'm cheap, I should have done both) so i didn't' take the drivers side apart to check. It would make since though.

Re: Inner Tie Rod HELP
 

Strong work! Glad you were able to get your rods replaced!

I am having a had time getting the inners broke free.

I see in your pics the pink collar is pushed back. Best I can tell these are collars that go over the big end of the rod that screws onto the rack. Mine is cracked. Any safety performance concern to go without this part? Having a hard time locating at my parts house.