Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Steering Linkage Outer 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.

Inspect the outer tie rod end seal. If the outer tie rod endseal is torn, replace the outer tie rod end. Refer toSteering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.Raise the side of the vehicle being inspected with a floorjack while maintaining contact between the opposite wheel and theshop floor. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack standas far outboard as possible and remove the floor jack. Refer toLifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

Install theJ-8001Dial Indicatorbetween the outer tie rod end and the steering knuckle asshown in the graphic. Note that the tire and wheel assembly isshown removed only for clarification of theJ-8001Dial Indicatorposition.

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