Pontiac Repair: inner tie rod end 03 Pontiac Grand Prix, inner tie rod, pontiac grand prix

Question
I saw your answer to another party as to how to remove, but my question is:  the end of the tie rod end is staked, and my tie rod end insert instructions says to avoid damaging the the steering gear you have to "place a wrench across the rack teeth flat to prevent the rack from rotating." But I can't find a place on the rack to put a wrench on.  What's the "rack teeth flat?"  I don't want to damage the steering gear.  And will the staked spots cause any problem during unscrewing (it would be hard to bend out in such tight quarters)?

Answer
Hey Randy:

While it's in the car it's hard to get on itThe area is really small and thats's right where the rod end is staked down on to.the instructions are a blanket statement and do not cover all models.some of them have large areas to grab on to and some do not. the tool you have I take it is a inner tie rod removal took??? there is a plastic sleeve that have to be pushed off the end "at the rack" and then the tool will fit on the flat spots on the end of the rod and then turn it off the rack. To tell you the truth I have never grabbed on the rack to stop it from turning while removing the outter end. That sataked part of the rack comes off really easy the metal on the end is really soft. Make sure when you put it back on that you stake it down ont the rack.and push that plastic sleeve back onto the rod end bafoe you put the boot back on. good luck :}