Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Steering Gear Boot Replacement Steering Gear Assembly

Special Tools

J-22610Keystone Clamp Pliers

For equivalent regional tools, refer toSpecial Tools.

Removal ProcedureRaise and support the vehicle. Refer toLifting and Jacking the Vehicle.Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer toSteering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.Remove the steering linkage inner tie rod nut.

Remove the outer boot clamp-(1).

Discard the clamp.

Cut the inner boot clamp-(3).

Discard the clamp.

Remove the steering gear boot-(2).Clean the steering linkage inner tie rod and steering gearboot contact area of any grease and debris.Installation Procedure

Note:The steering linkage inner tie rod and the steering gear bootmust be free of moisture and debris.

Apply approximately 3/4 of the supplied grease packet to theinside of the small end of the steering gear boot-(2).Apply the remainder of the grease to the steering linkage inner tierod where the small end of the steering gear boot touches the innertie rod.

Note:Ensure the larger end of the steering gear boot is firmlyseated in the correct location on the steering gear.

Install the steering gear boot with the NEW inner bootclamp-(3) loosely attached.

Use theJ-22610pliersin order to install the NEW inner bootclamp-(1).

Note:Ensure the small end of the steering gear boot is firmlyseated in the correct location on the steering linkage inner tierod.

Install the NEW outer boot clamp-(2).Install the steering linkage inner tie rod nut-(1)approximately 174-mm (6.85-in)-(a)from the outer boot clamp.Install the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer toSteering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer toWheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment.Lower the vehicle.