GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Disassembly Procedure

Tools Required

J 22610 Service Boot Clamp Installer


    Object Number: 297360  Size: SH
  1. To remove the outer tie rod; refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  2. Remove the hex jam nut (2) from the inner tie rod assembly (1).

  3. Object Number: 423441  Size: SH
  4. Remove the tie rod end clamp (2) from the rack and pinion boot (1).

  5. Object Number: 423443  Size: SH
  6. Remove the boot clamp (1) from the rack and pinion boot with side cutters.
  7. Discard the boot clamp (1).

  8. Object Number: 423448  Size: SH

    Important: Prior to removing the breather tube or the rack and pinion boot, mark the location of the breather tube on the gear assembly.

  9. Remove the rack and pinion boot (1) and the breather tube from the rack and pinion gear assembly.

Assembly Procedure

Tools Required

J 22610 Service Boot Clamp Installer


    Object Number: 423441  Size: SH
  1. Install the new boot clamp (2) onto the rack and pinion boot (1).

  2. Object Number: 423445  Size: SH
  3. Prior to rack and pinion boot installation, apply grease to the inner tie rod assembly (2) and the rack and pinion gear assembly (1).
  4. Install the rack and pinion boot (3) onto the inner tie rod assembly (2).
  5. Install the breather tube while aligning the breather tube with the mark made during removal and the molded nipple of the rack and pinion boot.
  6. Important: The rack and pinion boot (3) must not be twisted, puckered or out of shape in any way. If the rack and pinion boot (3) is not shaped properly, adjust the rack and pinion boot (3) by hand before installing the boot clamp.

  7. Install the rack and pinion boot onto the gear assembly (1) until the rack and pinion boot (3) is seated in the gear assembly groove.

  8. Object Number: 423451  Size: SH
  9. Install the boot clamp (1) on the rack and pinion boot (2) with J 22610 .
  10. Crimp the boot clamp (1).
  11. Pinch the pliers together on the rack and pinion boot (2) in order to install the tie rod end clamp.

  12. Object Number: 297638  Size: SH
  13. Install the hex jam nut (2) to the inner tie rod assembly (1).
  14. To assemble the outer tie rod assembly; refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .