For 1990-2009 cars

# New Torque Specification and Installation Procedure for the Outer Tire Rod to Steering Knuckle Joint on vehicles Equipped with a Torque Prevailing Nut

Subject: | Service Information on New Torque Specification and Installation Procedure for the Outer Tie Rod-to-Steering Knuckle Joint on vehicles Equipped with a Torque Prevailing Nut. Due to changes under Models Affected and Procedure, this bulletin is being revised and supercedes bulletin 99-T-05, which should be discarded.

Models: | 1999 - 2000 Saturn S-Series vehicles built after and including:

| VIN XZ111417 with Variable Effort Power Steering (RPO NV7)

| VIN XZ111418 with Non-Variable Ratio Power Steering (RPO N40)

| VIN XZ111422 with Manual Steering (RPO N51)

### Purpose

This bulletin provides technical information on changes to the torque specification and installation procedure for the outer tie rod-to-steering knuckle joint on vehicles equipped with a torque prevailing nut. The specification provided in this bulletin should supercede the specification available in the following publications:

• | 98-99 Chassis Service Manual

• | 2000 S-Series Chassis Service Manual

• | 98-99 Quick Reference Specification Guide

• | 2000 S-Series Quick Reference Specification Guide

### Procedure:

Notice: The new nut is torque sensitive. Retention capability of an old nut removed front he vehicle may not be sufficient if reused. Therefore, a new nut must be used any time the nut is removed.

When servicing the outer tie rod-to-steering knuckle joint on vehicles equipped with torque prevailing nuts, the procedure for new nut installation is as follows:

1. If outer tie rod is being replaced, thread new outer tie rod onto inner tie rod.
2. Install outer tie rod stud into steering knuckle joint.
3. Install steering linkage installer (J-44015), or equivalent on outer tie rod stud.
4. Torque steering linkage installer to properly seat outer tie rod into steering knuckle joint.

Tighten
Torque: 45 N·m (33 lb ft)

5. Remove steering linkage installer and install a new torque prevailing nut.
6. Tighten new torque prevailing nut.

Tighten
Torque: 25 N·m (19 lb ft)

7. Install torque angle gauge P/N SA9140E, Snap-On Tool 360, or equivalent tool.
8. Calibrate gauge to zero.
9. Tighten nut an additional 134°.