Chevrolet Trax: Steering linkage inner tie rod inspection

Special Tools

GE-8001 Dial Indicator Set

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

NOTE: This inspection procedure does not supersede local government required inspections that have more stringent requirements.

1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position with the engine OFF.

Fig. 4: Measuring Lash Between Inner Tie Rod & Steering Gear Housing

2. With the aid of an assistant, turn the steering wheel to the full stop position and hold the steering wheel in that position until the test is complete. Part of the steering linkage inner tie rod (2) being tested should be inside the steering gear housing. The inner tie rod housing (1) being tested should be inside the steering gear housing and seated against the steering stop.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
4. If there is not a good location for the GE-8001 dial indicator pointer at the steering gear housing, install a large worm gear hose clamp (3) to the steering gear housing over the larger steering gear boot clamp and align the clamp so that the screw can be a location for the GE-8001 dial indicator pointer.
5. Install the GE-8001 dial indicator between the inner tie rod and the steering gear housing or the worm gear clamp in such a way as to measure the lash between the inner tie rod and the steering gear housing.

   The lash between the inner tie rod and the steering gear housing is equal to the lash between the inner tie rod and the inner tie rod housing because the inner tie rod housing is inside the steering gear housing during this procedure.

Fig. 5: Identifying Tire Grasping Positions

NOTE: Only move the tire enough to feel any lash between the inner tie rod and the inner tie rod housing without moving the steering gear rack.

6. Grasping the tire at the 3 o'clock (2) and 9 o'clock (1) positions, gently push in on one side of the tire in order to remove any lash.
7. Zero the GE-8001 dial indicator.
8. On the same side of the tire previously pushed in, gently pull out and measure the lash.
9. Record the measurement shown on the GE-8001 dial indicator.
10. If the measured value exceeds 0.5 mm (0.02 in), replace the inner tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement (N40), Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement (NJ1).
11. Repeat the procedure for the other side.

STEERING LINKAGE OUTER TIE ROD INSPECTION

Special Tools

GE-8001 Dial Indicator Set

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

NOTE: This inspection procedure does not supersede local government required inspections that have more stringent requirements.

1. Inspect the outer tie rod seal. If the outer tie rod seal is torn, replace the outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
2. Raise the side of the vehicle being inspected with a floor jack while maintaining contact between the opposite wheel and the shop floor. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack stand as far outboard as possible and remove the floor jack. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

Fig. 6: Measuring Outer Tie Rod Lash

3. Install the GE-8001 dial indicator between the outer tie rod and the steering knuckle as shown in the graphic. Note that the tire and wheel assembly is shown removed only for clarification of the GE-8001 dial indicator position.

Fig. 7: Identifying Tire Grasping Positions

4. Grasping the tire at the 3 o'clock (2) and 9 o'clock (1) positions, gently push in on one side of the tire to remove any lash.
5. Zero the GE-8001 dial indicator.
6. On the same side of the tire previously pushed inwards, gently pull outwards and measure the lash.
7. Record the measurement shown on the GE-8001 dial indicator.
8. If the measured value exceeds 0.5 mm (0.02 in), replace the outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
9. Repeat the procedure for the other side.

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