How To Replace Inner Tie Rods 01-10 GMC Sierra 2500 HD

Difficulty: Advanced · About 75 min · Gmc Sierra

Replace an inner tie rod, preserving the original toe setting by measuring the tie rod length, on a 2001-2010 GMC Sierra 2500 HD.

Steps

1. Remove the old inner tie rod

   Raise and support the truck, measure the inner-to-outer tie rod length at both full extension and full compression and note both, then clean the grease fitting, loosen the inner tie rod from the rack with an adjustable wrench while holding the outer tie rod steady with another wrench, and unscrew it counterclockwise off the outer tie rod.

2. Install the new inner tie rod

   Apply thread locker to its rack-side threads, support the stabilizer link out of the way with a floor jack, thread the new tie rod onto the rack and torque it to about 70-80 ft-lb, then thread the outer tie rod's nut on by hand and turn the wheel to draw the two together.

3. Adjust it to the original length

   Measure the inner-to-outer length again and turn the inner tie rod with the adjustable wrench until it matches the length you noted at the start.

4. Grease the fittings

   Pump grease into the inner tie rod fitting until the boot just starts to change shape, then grease any other fittings as needed.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.