GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2006 🢒 Rendezvous - FWD 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Steering Gear Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  4. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .

    5. Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

    Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

  5. Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

    6. Object Number: 629097 Size: SH
  6. Use a utility stand in order to support the frame.
  7. Remove the frame rear bolts. Refer to Front Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.

    8. Notice: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.

  8. Use the utility stand in order to lower the frame and the powertrain.
  9. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
  10. Disconnect the power steering gear pressure hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement .
  11. Disconnect the power steering gear cooler pipe from the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement .

    12. Object Number: 629071 Size: SH
  12. With FWD, remove the power steering gear nut(s).
  13. With FWD, remove the power steering gear bolts.

    14. Object Number: 629013 Size: SH
  14. With AWD, remove the power steering gear nuts.
  15. With AWD, remove the power steering gear bolts.
  16. Remove the power steering gear through the vehicle left side wheel opening.
  17. If replacing the power steering gear, remove the outer tie rods.
  18. If replacing the power steering gear, remove the jam nut.

Installation Procedure
  1. If replacing the power steering gear, install the jam nut.
  2. If replacing the power steering gear, install the outer tie rod end.

    3. Object Number: 629013 Size: SH
  3. Install the power steering gear through the vehicle left side wheel opening to the frame.

    4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  4. With AWD, install the power steering gear bolts and nuts.

    5. Tighten
    If the vehicle is equipped with all wheel drive, tighten the power steering gear right side bolt to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).


    Object Number: 629071 Size: SH

    Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:

       • The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust
       • The fastener develops 2 N·m (18 lb in) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.
    If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

  5. With FWD, install the power steering gear nuts and bolts.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the power steering gear nuts to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).

  6. Connect the power steering gear cooler pipe to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement .
  7. Connect the power steering gear pressure hose to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement .
  8. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
  9. Use the utility stand in order to raise the frame and the powertrain.
  10. Install the frame rear bolts. Refer to Front Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  11. Remove the utility stand from the frame.
  12. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
  13. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  14. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  15. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Bleed the air from the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  18. Inspect and adjust the toe as necessary. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.