GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle on safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Using both hands grab the joint as close to the end as possible, no more than 150 mm (6 in).
  3. Apply hand pressure, approximately 445 N (100 lbs), horizontally (back and forth) in a push and pull motion several times (up and down) in a push and pull motion several times.
  4. Check for any axial movement along the ball stud of the ball pivot joint:
  5. • Tie rod ends
    • Steering arm
    • Relay rod
    • Pitman arm
  6. If the axial movement in the ball joints is larger than 1.5 mm, replace any worn or damaged pivot joints.