How to Replace an Outer Tie-Rod in a 2001 Grand Prix

The 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix was equipped from the factory with a Rack and Pinion steering system. The outer tie-rod ends in your car attach the steering system to the steering knuckle and wheel. The simple ball and socket joint used in the outer tie-rod ends in your Grand Prix is designed without a grease fitting and cannot be lubricated to prevent wear. Over time, the joint will wear out and require replacement to restore control of the toe angle in the front-end alignment.

Instructions

1

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel until the wheels are pointing straight ahead. Turn off the engine. Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position and remove the key. Move the steering wheel back and forth until it locks in place. Secure the rear wheels using wheel chocks and apply the parking brake.

2

Slide the jack under the front subframe near the front of the vehicle and lift it until the wheel is off the ground. Place a jack stand under the front subframe for additional support and safety. Remove the wheel using a lug wrench.

3

Straighten and remove the cotter pin that secures the castellated nut on the tie-rod stud that is attached to the steering knuckle. Loosen the jamb nut on the inner tie-rod behind the outer tie-rod end using a 18 mm wrench. Remove the castellated nut on the tie-rod stud using an 18 mm wrench.

4

Slid the tie-rod puller over the steering knuckle and position the center shaft of the puller over the tie-rod stud. Turn the center shaft by hand until it contacts the stud. Continue turning the center shaft of the puller, using a 15 mm wrench, until the stud is forced from the steering knuckle.

5

Unscrew the tie-rod end from the tie-rod while counting the number of turns it takes until the tie-rod end drops off the tie-rod. Spray the tie-rod with penetrating oil and wipe off any rust on the threads of the tie-rod with a shop rag.

6

Screw the grease fitting into the top of the new tie-rod end using an 8 mm wrench. Screw the new tie-rod end onto the tie-rod until you have turned it the same number of turns it took to remove the old one.

7

Slip the tie-rod end stud into the steering knuckle and start the castellated nut by hand. Torque the nut to 45 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. If the hole in the tie-rod stud does not line up with the slots in the castellated nut tighten the nut until the slot lines up and install a new cotter pin.

8

Torque the tie-rod jam nut to 50 foot-pounds. Snap the grease gun over the grease fitting and add grease to the new tie-rod end until the dust boot around the joint starts to expand. Do not add grease until grease comes out of the joint. Doing so may allow dirt and road grime to enter the new joint.

9

Reinstall the front wheel and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds. Repeat the procedure for the remaining tie-rod on the other side of the vehicle if both are to be replaced.

10

Lift the Grand Prix off the jack stands and remove the stands. Lower the jack and drive the car to an auto repair shop for a front end alignment to reset the toe angle.