Replace Tie Rod Ends on a Saturn SL2
Saturn cars have standard rack-and-pinion steering in which the tie rods transfer force from the steering wheel and pinion gear to the steering knuckle on the front wheels. The tie rod ends cause the front wheels to turn one way or the other as the steering wheel is turned. The special Saturn jawed separator tool, SA91100C, is required for this repair.
Draw a line across the joint of the tie rod end and the tie rod with a white grease pencil or other suitable marker. This will allow you to install the new tie rod end in exactly the same position on the tie rod.
Lift up the front of the vehicle with a jack and lower it onto jack stands. Remove the lug nuts completely and remove the front wheel. Unclip the splash guard and remove from the wheel well to provide better access.
Attach the jawed separator tool to the top of the steering knuckle joint and turn the top of the tool with a wrench, separating the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
Apply grease to the threads on the replacement tie rod end after making sure they are free of dirt.
Loosen the tie rod jam nut with a wrench and count the number of revolutions it takes to remove it. Write this down if you need to so you will thread the replacement on the same number of revolutions.
Remove the cotter pin from the top of the steering knuckle/tie rod joint with a pair of pliers. Loosen and remove the castle nut from the top of the steering knuckle, using a wrench.
Install the tie rod end onto the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to 33 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Install a new cotter pin through the top of the tie rod end.
Thread the rod ends end onto the tie rod, turning it the same number of revolutions used to remove it. Line up the marks you made so the tie rod end is in the same position as the original.
Install the splash shield by pushing the clips into place around the wheel well. Install the wheel and tire assembly and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise up the vehicle with a jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle onto the ground and finish tightening the lug nuts with a lug wrench.
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