G29 steering system

[Jsinker37]

Does anyone know if the inner tie rod can be replaced on a G29 steering box? Or does the entire box need to be replaced? Also, if it can be replaced, is it necessary to use a tie rod tool? I have a bent knuckle arm and outer tie rod bolt and without removing them, I cant tell if the inner rod is bent or just appears to be due to the outer bolt and knuckle arm being bent sharply downward. Thanks.

[smallblock450sl]

Yes the tie rods can be changed. Cut the zip tie holding the boot and pull the boot back to verify the tie rod is bent. Yes the tie rod is adjustable. Loosen the jam nut and use a 12 mm open wrench to adjust it (there is a flat spot on the tie rod for the wrench). What I would recommend first...Jack up the front end, take the tie rod end out of the bent arm,knuckle...now use your finger to turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. If there is any binding forget the tie rod and get a new rack assembly! it comes with the tie rods attatched. Good luck.

[Jsinker37]

Thanks. Ended up just being a bent knuckle arm. Took a sledge to it to temporarily straighten. New one is on the way for less than $15.

[cgtech]

Funny story on that arm. They used to be the weakest link, and the cheapest part of the system. That was a good thing, the most often damaged sacrificial part was the cheapest. Yamaha fixed that "problem", they are now thicker, and the part that bends now is the tie rod or rack gear, much more expensive and more work to replace....