GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.

  1. Remove the upper fan shroud. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  2. Remove the fan. Refer to Fan Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the lower fan shroud. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement .
  4. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  5. Place a drain pan under the steering gear.
  6. Important: Cap or tape the ends of the hoses and the gear fittings to prevent spillage and contamination.

  7. Disconnect the power steering hoses from the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Hoses Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 284254  Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the power steering cooler line from the steering gear (F4WD only).
  10. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  11. Remove the pitman arm from the steering gear. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage.

  12. Object Number: 361696  Size: SH
  13. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts and washers (RWD).

  14. Object Number: 361693  Size: SH
  15. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts and washers (F4WD).
  16. Remove the steering gear.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the steering gear.

  2. Object Number: 361696  Size: SH
  3. Install the steering gear washers and bolts (RWD).

  4. Object Number: 361693  Size: SH

    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.

  5. Install the steering gear washers and bolts (F4WD).
  6. Tighten

        • For rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, tighten the steering gear bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
        • For full time four wheel drive (F4WD) vehicles, tighten the steering gear bolts to 142.5 N·m (105 lb ft).
  7. Install the pitman arm to the steering gear. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  8. Lower the vehicle.

  9. Object Number: 284254  Size: SH
  10. Connect the power steering cooler line to the steering gear for F4WD only.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the fitting to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  12. Connect the power steering hose to the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Hoses Replacement .
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the fitting to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  14. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column-Tilt.
  15. Install the lower fan shroud. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  16. Install the fan. Refer to Fan Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  17. Install the upper fan shroud. Refer to Fan Shroud Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  18. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .