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Pontiac Montana Inner Tie Rod replacement

I've looked at the shop manual procedure for changing the inner tie rods. It doesn't specifically state the rack and pinion must be removed first. Clearances are tight to remove the bellows and get wrenches in place to unloosen the rod. Anyone changed one on a 97 & up U-van that could related their experience?

Reply to
DonW
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If you try to do this job with "wrenchs" without removing the rack, it's not real easy. There are special very deep sockets for getting at the inner tie rods while the rack is still in the vehicle. The only other problem is having enough space to fold over the small metal tabs that secure the tie rod in place. On a GM rack, I've usually just removed the rack. Much easier.

Ian

Reply to
shiden_kai

Thanks Ian

I posted a shop manual pictures at this freebie site

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just shows to remove the bellowMove the shock dampener back and hold the rack with one wrench and unlosen with another wrench. But not much room to do this. Maybe it's implied to remove the rack and pinion. At this point I'm in the planning ahead stage. At 112K miles I don't feel any play in the outer tie rod ends but can see movement in the link going into the rack when I move the tires back and forth. This could be the inner tie rod ends or the rack and pinion itself. I'm getting some wander in straight ahead driving. Not too bad yet but it won't get better by itself.

Reply to
DonW

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