Because a bent or damaged tie rod can adversely affect the steering of your Pontiac Grand Prix, it's necessary to replace it. Then have your Grand Prix aligned, and you'll see an immediate improvement. Best yet, replacing the tie rod is something you can do yourself.
Instructions
1. Buy tie rods that are specific to your Pontiac Grand Prix as these parts can vary from model year to model year.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires with a lug nut wrench, then jack up the car. Support the Grand Prix on jack stands, then remove the wheels.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the nut for the tie rod end as well as the tie rod.
4. Take nut off the outer tie rod, and separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle, then unscrew the tie rod end from the tie rod.
5. Remove the clamps from the rubber boot on the end of the tie rod, and slip the boot down to expose the end of the tie rod. Separate the tie rod from the rack and pinion with a tie rod separator.
6. Insert the new tie rod into the rack and pinion, and tighten the nut to 50 foot pounds. Slip down the boot and tighten the clamp around it.
7. Screw on the tie rod end, and insert it into the steering knuckle, tightening the nut to 45 foot pounds.
8. Put back on the tires and tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot pounds. Get an alignment.
Tags: Grand Prix, foot pounds, Pontiac Grand, Pontiac Grand Prix, model year, rack pinion, steering knuckle
