I can't seem to find any info on this. When I bought my new inner tie rods from Napa, I asked them if they had a wrench in the correct size. He put some calipers on them and figured it to be a 36mm wrench.

The new tie rods came with red lock tite, so I'm assuming these OEM ones are in tight and might require some heat???

Is it just as simple as unscrewing the tie rods from the "center link" (???) and replacing? What sort of torque will it require to remove and replace? Can I just use a large adjustable wrench?

Document ID# 861380
2006 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD


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Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement
Tools Required
J 34028 Inner Tie Rod Wrench

Removal Procedure
Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
Remove the outer tie rod end. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .



Remove the inner tie rod end using the J 34028 (2).
Installation Procedure
Important: Perform the following procedure before installing the new tie rod ends:

Remove all traces of the oil, grease, or other contaminents.
Clean the threads of the tie rod with denatured alcohol or the equivalent and allow to dry.
Apply red LOCTITE threadlocker, GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to the threads of the inner tie rod.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.





Install the inner tie rod to the relay rod.
Tighten
Using the J 34028 (2) tighten the tie rod to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

Install the outer tie rod end. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .
Install the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
Lower the vehicle.
Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

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Document ID# 861380
2006 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD

Yes you can just use an adjustable wrench, just be careful not to round em off. I dont like adjustable wrenches personally. And yes, it is as simple as removing the old ones from the centerlink and replacing them with the new ones.

I used a huge adjustable wrench no problems

Yes you can just use an adjustable wrench, just be careful not to round em off. I dont like adjustable wrenches personally. And yes, it is as simple as removing the old ones from the centerlink and replacing them with the new ones.

I hate adjustable wrenches as well, and while I own several different sizes I can probably count the number of times I have used one on both hands.

I figure it will cost $30+ to buy a 36mm wrench to use (hopefully) once. I might have a found a place in town that will lend/rent me one though. I'll just guesstimate on the torque though, like with nearly all suspension pieces on newer GM vehicles.

Thanks for the help guys.

You can use the crescent wrench...chances are things will be ok. But, you do have to be careful as things get rounded off more easily when using the crescent wrenches, in my experience. Ive used them before when I was in a bind.