How do you remove and replace the tie rod in a 2002 Grand Prix?

Answer 1

== Step1 Buy tie rod ends that are meant for your Pontiac Grand Prix's make and model. This is important, for not all tie rod ends will work with all Pontiac Grand Prix. These tie rod ends come with nuts as well as a cotter pin (think bobby pin on steroids).

Step2 Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels, then jack up the vehicle. Once the jacks securely support your vehicle, take off the wheels.

Step3 Remove the cotter pin and the slotted nut that secures the tie rod ends to the steering knuckle. If the tie rod end has a jam nut, unscrew it from the ball stud of the tie rod end where it meets the wheel knuckle.

Step4 Clean the threaded portion of the tie rod with a wire brush, and then mark the position of the jam nut with paint or a marker. This will help you when you install the replacement tie rod end. Loosen the jam nut one turn.

Step5 Slip out the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle. If it doesn't come out easily, use a tie rod end puller.

Step6 Unscrew the tie rod end, keeping track of the number of turns it took to do so. Record this number. == Step1 Clean all portions of the tie rods, then screw on the tie rod end until it touches the jam nut. Unscrew the tie rod end one turn.

Step2 Put the tie rod end ball stud into the wheel knuckle and tighten the nut 18 foot pounds. Turn the nut 1/2 turn more. If the tie rod end came with a cotter pin, tighten the nut 45 foot pounds, then turn it a little more until you can slip in the cotter pin.

Step3 Screw the jam nut one turn, then tighten it to 50 foot pounds. Make sure the pinion dust boot or the rubber rack are not twisted.

Step4 Repeat Sections One and Two for the other tie rod, the reinstall the tires. Tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot pounds, then have your Grand Prix aligned.