Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel Chocks: To secure the vehicle on the jack stands.
* Lug Wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Tie Rod Separator: To separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. A ball joint separator *might* work, but a dedicated tie rod separator is preferred.
* Wrench or Socket Set: The sizes will depend on your specific year and model S-10, but you'll likely need various metric sizes for the tie rod, cotter pin, and castle nut.
* Pliers/Needle-Nose Pliers: For removing cotter pins.
* Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening the new tie rod to the correct specification. Improper torque can lead to premature wear or failure.
* Penetrating Oil (PB Blaster or similar): Helps loosen rusted or seized fasteners.
* New Inner Tie Rod: Make sure you get the correct part for your year and model S-10.
* Shop Rags or Paper Towels: To clean up grease and oil.
* Optional: Alignment Tool After replacing, you will need an alignment
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Raise the vehicle using the jack and secure it on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
2. Disconnect the Tie Rod End: Use the tie rod separator to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Apply penetrating oil beforehand if necessary. This can be tricky, so take your time and be careful not to damage the knuckle.
3. Remove the Inner Tie Rod: Locate the inner tie rod end. You'll likely need to remove a cotter pin and castle nut to separate the old inner tie rod from the steering rack. Use the correct sized wrenches to loosen and remove these fasteners. Again, penetrating oil can help.
4. Install the New Inner Tie Rod: Carefully install the new inner tie rod, ensuring it's properly seated. Tighten the castle nut to the manufacturer's specified torque. Install a new cotter pin to secure the nut.
5. Reconnect the Tie Rod End: Connect the tie rod end back to the steering knuckle. Again, be careful not to damage the knuckle.
6. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
7. Torque Check: Double-check that all nuts and bolts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. Refer to your vehicle's repair manual for the precise torque values.
8. Wheel Alignment: Crucially, after replacing the inner tie rod, you must have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a professional. This is absolutely essential for safe and proper handling. Driving with an improperly aligned vehicle can lead to tire wear and dangerous handling characteristics.
Important Notes:
* Consult a Repair Manual: A factory service manual for your specific year and model S-10 will provide detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and other essential information.
* Year-Specific Differences: The exact procedure may vary slightly depending on the year of your S-10.
* Safety: This is a potentially dangerous job. If you are not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
Remember, this is a simplified guide. Always refer to a repair manual for your specific vehicle's year and model for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Improper installation can lead to serious safety hazards.
