Pontiac Montana Inner Tie Rod replacement

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

Thanks Ian

I posted a shop manual pictures at this freebie site

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.