GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Avalanche - 4WD 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Steering Gear Actuator and Cover Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Notice: When lifting the vehicle do not allow the jack to touch the rear steering gear. If the jack touches the rear steering gear you may damage the gear or the rack and pinion boots. If the boots are damaged replace the rack and pinion boot.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

    3. Object Number: 742182 Size: SH
  3. Remove the drain plug (2) and drain the fluid from the differential housing.
  4. Remove the bolts (3) retaining the steering gear protection shield.

    5. Object Number: 747750 Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the control module (2).

    6. Object Number: 747768 Size: SH
  6. Disconnect the electrical connector (1) from the rear position sensor.
  7. Remove the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rear Wheel Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .

    8. Object Number: 742184 Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the differential vent hose (1) from the vent tube (2).

    9. Object Number: 750482 Size: SH
  9. Remove the bolts retaining the steering gear actuator and cover (2) to the differential (1).
  10. Remove the steering gear actuator and cover from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 750410 Size: SH

    Important: Clean all of the sealing surfaces prior to installing the gasket. Do not reinstall the old gasket, replace the gasket whenever the actuator is removed from the axle.

  1. Install the steering gear actuator (2) and gasket (1) to the differential.

    2. Object Number: 750482 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.

  2. Install the steering gear actuator and cover (2) retaining bolts.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).


    Object Number: 747750 Size: SH
  3. Connect the electrical connectors to the control module (2).

    4. Object Number: 742184 Size: SH
  4. Install the differential vent hose (1) to the vent tube (2).
  5. Install the outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rear Wheel Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .

    6. Object Number: 742182 Size: SH
  6. Install the drain plug (2) and fill the differential with fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.
  7. Install the bolts (3) retaining the steering gear protection shield.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 180 N·m (132 lb ft).

  8. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.