Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Inspection Tie Rods and Linkage

Special Tools

J-8001Dial Indicator Set

For equivalent regional tools, refer toSpecial Tools.

Note:This inspection procedure does not supersede local governmentrequired inspections that have more stringent requirements.

Turn the ignition key to the ON position with the engineOFF.With the aid of an assistant, turn the steering wheel to thefull stop position and hold the steering wheel in that positionuntil the test is complete. The tie rod being tested should beinside the steering gear housing seated against the steeringstop.Raise and support the vehicle. Refer toLifting and Jacking the Vehicle.If there is not a good location for theJ-8001Dial Indicatorpointer at the steering gear housing, install a large wormgear hose clamp to the steering gear housing over the largersteering gear boot clamp and align the clamp so that the screw canbe a location for theJ-8001Dial Indicatorpointer.

Install theJ-8001Dial Indicatorbetween the inner tie rod-(2) and the steeringgear housing or the worm gear clamp in such a way as to measure thelash between the inner tie rod and the steering gearhousing.

Note:Only move the tire enough to feel any lash between the innertie rod and the inner tie rod housing without moving the steeringgear rack.

Grasping the tire at the 3-o'clock-(2)and 9-o'clock-(1) positions, gently push inon one side of the tire in order to remove any lash.Zero theJ-8001Dial Indicator.On the same side of the tire previously pushed in, gentlypull out and measure the lash.Record the measurement seen on theJ-8001Dial Indicator.If the measured value exceeds 0.5-mm(0.02-in), replace the inner tie rod. Refer toSteering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement.Repeat the procedure for the other side.