Chevrolet Light Duty Truck 1973, Service Manual

Page: 827 / 979

STEER IN G 9-61
NOTE: If threads are not clean and smooth,
ball studs may turn in tie rod ends when
attempting to tighten nut.
3. Install ball studs in steering arms and relay rod.
4. Install ball stud nut, tighten to specifications and
install new cotter pins; see Specifications Section at
rear of manual. Lubricate tie rod ends.
NOTE: Never back off nut to align the cotter
pin, always tighten nut to next slot that lines
up with hole in stud.
5. Adjust toe-in as described in Section 3.
CAUTION:
Before tightening the tie rod
adjusting sleeve clamp bolts, be sure that the
following conditions have been met:
a. The sleeve clamps must be positioned between
the locating dimples at either end of the sleeve.
b. The clamps must be positioned within the
angular travel indicated in Figure 104.
c. The relationship of the clamp slot with the slit in
the sleeve should be maintained as shown in
Figure 104.
d. Rotate both inner and outer tie rod housing
rearward to the limit of ball joint travel before
tightening clamps. Tighten clamps to specifica­
tions. Return tie rod assembly to the center of
travel.
e. All procedures for alignment, adjustment and
assembly of tie rods applies to each side.
f. Check each assembly to be sure that a total
travel of at least 35° can be obtained using a
bubble protractor and a pair of vise grips.
Inspection
To ensure proper installation, it is necessary to perform
the following inspection after any change of toe setting
or removal of any ball stud:
Fig. 103—Ball Stud Removal - Typical
Fig. 104—Tie Rod Clamp Relationships
Fig. 104A—Tie Rod Inspection
1. Check the total rotation of the tie rod assembly
using the following procedure:
a. Lubricate inner and outer tie rod ends.
b. Attach vise grip pliers to the outer tie rod end.
c. Rotate outer tie rod end counterclockwise (up) to
maximum position. Attach bevel protractor as
shown in Figure 104A. Center protractor bubble
indicator and record reading.
d. Rotate tie rod end clockwise (down) to
maximum position. Center protractor bubble
indicator and record reading.
e. Compare protractor readings obtained in Steps c
LIGHT DUTY TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL