How to Replace the Inner Tie-Rod End on a 2005 Silverado

Replacing the inner tie-rod end on a 2005 Chevy Silverado is not exceptionally difficult; however, it does require a respectable amount of tools, including some special tools. The inner tie-rod end is not accessible without a special inner tie-rod remover tool. It's a socket on a long tube made to slide over the tie-rod shaft and engage the inner tie-rod end. You also need a special tool to remove the outer tie-rod end from the knuckle.

Instructions

1

Place the Silverado in park on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake.

2

Loosen, but don't remove the lug nuts on the front wheel using the lug wrench. Raise the front of the truck with the floor jack and place jack stands under the frame behind the front tire. Lower the truck so it rests on the stands. Continue to remove the lug nuts followed by the wheel.

3

Cut the two thin clamps off the inside dust cover boot using the wire cutters. Loosen the lock nut on the outer tie-rod end with a wrench, which releases the outer tie-rod end so it will turn. Remove the cotter pin in the outer tie-rod end stud using the wire cutters.

4

Remove the nut under the cotter pin on the tie-rod end stud using a wrench. Insert the tie-rod end remover tool between the tie-rod and the knuckle. Hit the tool with the hammer until the tie-rod end pops out of the knuckle.

5

Rotate the outer tie-rod counterclockwise to remove; however, it is imperative to count the exact number of turns it takes to remove the outer tie-rod so it can be replaced in the exact same place. If it is installed differently, the toe in the alignment will be off. Turn the tie-rod lock nut counterclockwise and remove it. Pull the dust boot off the tie-rod shaft.

6

Install the inner tie-rod remover tool over the tie-rod shaft and with the use of the -inch drive ratchet, turn the inner tie-rod counterclockwise to remove it. Install the new inner tie-rod by threading it clockwise on the steering rack as far as possible. Install the tool and tighten it securely with the 1/2-inch ratchet.

7

Install the dust boot. Push it all the way in to cover the inner tie-rod end. Lock them in place by installing two nylon tie straps and pull them tight. Thread the tie-rod end lock nut by rotating it clockwise and run it about half way up the shaft to allow enough room to install the tie-rod end.

8

Thread the outer tie-rod end on the inner tie-rod shaft the exact number of turns. Insert the tie-rod end stud into the hole in the steering knuckle from which it was extracted. Install the nut and tighten followed by the cotter pin.

9

Thread the tie-rod lock nut counterclockwise down to contact the end of the outer tie-rod. Lock the tie-rod from turning by tightening the lock nut with a wrench. Install the wheel and lug nuts and tighten them as much as possible with the lug wrench. Raise the truck with the floor jack, remove the jack stands and lower the truck. Tighten the lug nuts on the front wheels to 90 foot-pounds of torque.