How to Replace Outer Tie Rod 05-10 Pontiac G6

Difficulty: Advanced · About 35 min · Pontiac G6

Replace the outer tie rod, preserving the original toe setting with a measurement, on a 2005-2010 Pontiac G6.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nut covers with a 19mm socket, pry off the center cap with a flat blade screwdriver, loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support the car, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Measure and note the distance from the inner tie rod boot to the edge of the outer tie rod, loosen the connecting nut with an adjustable wrench, remove the 18mm nut from the outer tie rod end, strike the steering knuckle with a hammer to loosen it, pull the tie rod out of the knuckle, then twist it off by hand.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Twist it onto the inner tie rod, push it into the steering knuckle, hold the ball joint steady with vise grip pliers while fastening the 18mm nut with a socket, tighten it further with the 18mm wrench, tighten the connecting nut with the adjustable wrench, then measure again to confirm it matches your earlier recorded distance.

4. Reattach the wheel

   Slide the wheel on, start the lug nuts by hand, lower the car, torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a star pattern, refit the center cap, then tighten the lug nut covers with the 19mm socket.

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