GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 862
During production, the installe
d position of the relay rod is carefully controlled to
assure that the rod is at the proper height. Both the left end and the right end of
the relay rod must be held at the sa me height. The side-to-side height is
controlled by adjusting the pos ition of the idler arm
Whenever disconnecting the rela y rod assembly, it is important to first scribe the
position of the idler arm-to-frame, and to reinstall the idler arm in the same
position. Be sure to prevent the idler support from turning in the bushing, since
that motion could result in improper relay rod height.
Whenever replacing the relay rod, or the idler arm, or the Pitman arm, it is
mandatory to establish the correct height.
1. Raise the vehicle and support safely on jackstands.
2. Remove the inner ends of the tie rods from the relay rod.
3. Remove the nut from the relay rod ball stud attachment at Pitman arm.
4. Detach the relay rod from the Pitm an arm by using tool such as J-24319-
01 or equivalent. Shift the steering lin kage as required to free the Pitman
arm from the relay rod.
5. Remove the nut from the idler arm and remove the relay rod from the
idler arm.
To install: 6. Install the relay rod to idler arm, ma king certain idler stud seal is in place.
Use J-29193 or J-29194 or equivalent to seat the tapers. A torque of 15
ft. lbs. (20 Nm) is required. With the tapers seated, remove the tool, then
install a prevailing torque nut, and ti ghten to 35 ft. lbs. (48 Nm).
7. Raise the end of the rod and insta ll on the Pitman arm. Use J-29193 or J-
29194 or equivalent to seat the tapers. A torque of 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm) is
required. With the tapers seated, remove the tool, then install a prevailing
torque nut, and tighten to 35 ft. lbs. (48 Nm).
8. Install the tie rod ends to the re lay rod. Lubricate the tie rod ends.
9. Install the damper , if equipped.
10. Set the relay rod height. Torque t he idler arm-to-frame mounting bolts to
61 ft. lbs. (83 Nm).
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Check and, if necessary, adjust front end alignment.
