Rack and Pinion Boots

This procedure covers the replacement of the steering rack and pinion boots on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine, preventing contamination and maintaining proper steering system function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering rack boot kit (includes both boots and clamps) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering fluid O-rings (if disconnecting lines) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco Power Steering Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels straight ahead)
3. Turn ignition off and remove key to lock steering column
4. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands at frame contact points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Mark tie rod position on inner tie rod threads with paint or marker for reference during reassembly
7. Place drain pan under steering rack area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod end cotter pins and nuts
   Remove and discard the cotter pins from both outer tie rod end castle nuts. Loosen the tie rod end nuts but do not remove completely at this time. This keeps the tie rod end from falling when separated from the knuckle.
2. 2

   Separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Using a tie rod separator tool, separate both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Apply steady pressure with the separator while tapping the knuckle boss with a hammer to help release the taper. Once separated, remove the tie rod end nuts completely and hang the tie rods out of the way using wire if needed.
3. 3

   Loosen inner tie rod jam nuts
   Using two wrenches, loosen the jam nuts on both inner tie rods where they thread into the outer tie rods. Count and record the number of exposed threads visible on each side for reassembly reference. Do not remove the outer tie rods completely unless necessary.
4. 4

   Remove damaged outer boots
   Cut the clamps on the damaged rack boots using diagonal cutters or boot clamp pliers. Slide the old boots off the rack and inner tie rod assemblies. If boots are stuck, carefully work them off without damaging the inner tie rod or rack housing. Clean any old grease and debris from the rack housing and inner tie rod using clean rags.
5. 5

   Inspect rack and tie rod components
   Inspect the rack housing, inner tie rod ball joints, and mounting areas for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Check for fluid leaks from the rack seals. Wipe down all surfaces with clean rags. If rack seals are leaking or components show excessive wear, rack replacement may be necessary rather than just boot replacement.
   ℹ️If power steering fluid is leaking from the rack seals, the entire rack assembly requires replacement
6. 6

   Install new rack boots
   Apply a light coating of chassis grease to the rack housing where the boot will seal. Slide the new boot onto the rack housing, ensuring the small end seats properly in the groove on the rack. Route the boot over the inner tie rod ball joint area. Make sure the boot is not twisted and sits flat without wrinkles.
7. 7

   Pack boots with grease and secure clamps
   Fill the boot with the amount of chassis grease specified in the boot kit instructions (typically 2-3 oz per side). Work the inner tie rod through its range of motion to distribute grease. Install the small clamp on the rack housing end and the large clamp on the inner tie rod end using boot clamp pliers. Ensure clamps are tight and properly seated in their grooves. Repeat for the opposite side boot.
8. 8

   Reinstall outer tie rods
   Thread the outer tie rods back onto the inner tie rods to the previously marked position or thread count. Do not tighten jam nuts yet. This maintains the approximate toe setting until a professional alignment can be performed.
9. 9

   Connect tie rod ends to steering knuckles
   Insert the tie rod end studs into the steering knuckle tapers. Install the castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and tie rod end studs. Bend cotter pin ends to secure. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until alignment is achieved.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Tighten tie rod jam nuts
    Using two wrenches, tighten the jam nuts on both inner tie rods against the outer tie rod bodies. Hold the outer tie rod to prevent it from turning while tightening the jam nut. Verify the outer tie rod did not rotate during this process.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until tires touch the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Check power steering fluid level
    Check the power steering fluid reservoir level and top off with ACDelco Power Steering Fluid if necessary. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to purge any air and distribute fluid. Recheck fluid level with engine running and add as needed. Inspect for leaks around all boot clamps.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all boot clamps are properly secured and boots are not twisted or pinched
2. Verify tie rod jam nuts are tight and outer tie rods did not rotate during tightening
3. Confirm new cotter pins are installed and properly bent on both tie rod ends

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel fully left and right several times while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises
• Check for power steering fluid leaks around rack boots and all connections
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm normal steering operation
• Have vehicle alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified technician as soon as possible after tie rod work

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