GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Position the tires in the straight ahead position by turning the steering wheel.

  2. Object Number: 1248342  Size: SH
  3. Remove the intermediate shaft.

  4. Object Number: 1248343  Size: SH
  5. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  6. Drain the power steering fluid from the rack and pinion.
  7. Disconnect the steering gear inlet and outlet pipe fittings.

  8. Object Number: 1248344  Size: SH
  9. Remove the outer tie rod hex nuts. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

  10. Object Number: 1241963  Size: SH
  11. Remove the ball joint hex nuts and disconnect the stabilizer shaft from the knuckle by removing the stabilizer shaft link assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

  12. Object Number: 1248345  Size: SH
  13. Remove the cross member by removing the nuts and bolts to the underbody.

  14. Object Number: 1248346  Size: SH
  15. Remove the rack and pinion assembly by disconnecting the steering gear retaining bracket nuts.

Installation Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1248346  Size: SH
  1. Install the rack and pinion assembly by connecting the steering gear retaining bracket nuts.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the steering gear retaining bracket nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1248345  Size: SH
  3. Install the cross member by tightening the nuts and bolts to the underbody.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the cross member by tightening the nuts and bolts to the underbody to 150 N·m (111 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1241963  Size: SH
  5. Install the ball joint hex nuts and connect the stabilizer shaft to the knuckle by tightening the bolt with stabilizer shaft link assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
  6. Tighten

        • Tighten the ball joint hex nuts to knuckle to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).
        • Tighten the bolts of the stabilizer shaft to the knuckle to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

    Object Number: 1248344  Size: SH
  7. Install the outer tie rod hex nuts. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod hex nuts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1248343  Size: SH
  9. Connect the steering gear inlet and outlet pipe fittings.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts of the steering gear inlet and outlet pipe fittings to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  11. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  12. Caution: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use a power steering fluid meeting GM Spec. No. 9985010 or equivalent. Fluid for cold climates is also available through GM Dealerships; refer to Specifications for further information. Failure to use the proper power steering fluid can cause power steering hose and seal damage, fluid leaks and pump failure.

  13. Refill the power steering fluid.

  14. Object Number: 1248342  Size: SH
  15. Install the intermediate shaft.
  16. Inspect the vehicle. Refer to Preliminary Alignment Inspection and Straight Ahead Inspection.
  17. Measure the wheel alignment.
  18. If necessary, adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment.