GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle P32

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 322009  Size: SH
  1. Loosen and remove the adjuster lock nut (1).
  2. Remove the bolts (2).
  3. Rotate the stub shaft (6) using a 12-point socket in order to center the steering gear (7).
  4. Remove the following items as an assembly:
  5. • The side cover (8)
    • The gasket (3)
    • The pitman shaft (4)
  6. Remove the pitman shaft (4) from the side cover (8).

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 322009  Size: SH
  1. Screw the pitman shaft (4) to the side cover (8) until the pitman shaft fully seats to the side cover (8).
  2. Install the adjuster lock nut (1). Do not tighten the adjuster lock nut (1) until the pitman shaft adjustment is completed.
  3. Install the gasket (3) to the side cover (8).
  4. Bend the gasket tabs around the edges of the side cover (8).
  5. Install the pitman shaft assembly (4) and the side cover (8) to the steering gear housing (7).
  6. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  7. Install the bolts (2).
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts (2) to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  9. In order to adjust the pitman shaft (4), refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .

Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle Saginaw - 710 Model

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 447002  Size: SH
  1. Remove the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement .
  2. Clean the exposed end of the pitman shaft.
  3. Clean the steering gear housing.
  4. Use a wire brush to clean the pitman shaft splines.
  5. Remove the preload adjuster nut.
  6. Remove the hex head bolts from the side cover (2).
  7. Turn the adjuster screw on the pitman shaft clockwise using a ¼ inch hex wrench (1) in order to remove the side cover (2).

  8. Object Number: 740386  Size: SH
  9. Remove the following items as an assembly:
  10. • The side cover (1)
    • The O'ring (2)
    • The pitman shaft (3)
  11. Remove the pitman shaft (3) from the side cover (1).
  12. Remove and discard the O-ring (2).

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 740386  Size: SH
  1. Lubricate and install a new O-ring (2).
  2. Install the pitman shaft (3) to the side cover (1).
  3. Push the side cover (1) with the pitman shaft (3) onto the steering gear housing (4).

  4. Object Number: 447002  Size: SH
  5. Insert a hex wrench (1) through the side cover (2) into the adjuster screw. Turn the hex wrench counterclockwise until the side cover (2) bottoms on the steering gear housing, then turn the hex wrench (1) clockwise a ½ turn.
  6. Screw the preload adjuster prevailing torque nut on the adjuster screw.
  7. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  8. Install the side cover bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the side cover bolts to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  10. Install the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement .
  11. Adjust the pitman shaft. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .