Disassembly & Reassembly

Place vehicle on hoist. Remove fasteners from ball stud and relay rod. Using Steering Linkage Puller (J-24319-01), remove ball stud from relay rod. Remove idler arm-to-frame bolts. Remove idler arm assembly.
NOTE: Idler arm assembly should always be replaced if an up and down force of 25 lbs. (11 kg), applied at relay rod end of idler arm, produces a lash of more than 1/8" (3 mm) in straight-ahead position.

Fig 1: Checking Idler Arm Play
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Tie Rod Clamp Tightness
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: "S" Series Steering Linkage
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 4: Tie Rod Clamp Position
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 5: Astro & Safari Steering Linkage
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Ensure that threads on studs and nuts are clean and smooth. Check ball stud seals. Replace seals (if necessary). To install, reverse removal procedure.
Install connecting rod. Ensure long end of rod is toward pitman arm. Check for proper alignment of connecting rod clamps. See Fig 2 and Fig 4.