How to Replace the Tie Rod on a 2000 Chevy Silverado

Each of the front wheels on the 2000 Chevy Silverado has a tie rod as part of the steering linkage, which is connected to the steering knuckle with an L-shaped tie rod end. The tie rod, or at least its end, may need replacing if the wheels shimmy from side to side. The tie rod on the 2000 Silverado is part of the relay rod, and you must remove the tie rod and the relay rod as a complete unit.

Instructions

Removal

1

Raise the truck with a jack. Support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheel for the tie rod you are changing.

2

Grab the tie rod with one wrench and loosen the jam nut at the end with another wrench without removing the nut.

3

Loosen the ballstud nut at the bottom end of the tie rod with a flare nut wrench, but don't remove it. You may need to hold the ballstud in place with a smaller wrench as you turn the nut.

4

Connect the puller tool to the tie rod ballstud and boot, clamping the jaws on the boot and twisting the center screw onto the ballstud. Turn the screw with your wrench at the bottom until the tie rod pops off the steering knuckle.

5

Unscrew the tie rod from the inner tie rod. Paint a mark on the tie rod where the jam nut is located. Remove the jam nut.

6

Separate the tie rod and relay rod from the two other arms of the steering linkage--the Pitman arm and the idler arm--using the same puller tool.

Installation

7

Connect the replacement tie rod and relay rod to the Pitman and idler arms with new ballstud nuts. Tighten the nuts to 46 pound-feet.

8

Screw the tie rod end onto the inner tie rod until it reaches the jam nut. Connect the end to the steering arm.

9

Install the ballstud nut on the tie rod end tighten it with a torque wrench to 33 pound-feet. Tighten the jam nut at the tie rod end securely.

10

Reconnect the wheel to the truck. Lower it off the jack stands.