GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
    • J 4245 Internal Snap Ring Pliers
    • J 6219 Pitman Shaft Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Mark the position of the pitman arm to the pitman shaft.

  2. Object Number: 245002  Size: MH
  3. Remove the pitman arm from the pitman shaft. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  4. Remove the pitman shaft boot (5).
  5. Remove the dust seal (4).
  6. Remove the snap ring (3) using the J 4245 .
  7. 5.1. Loosely install the pitman arm and the nut on the shaft.

    This is required in order to remove the seal.

    5.2. Position a drain pan under the steering gear.
    5.3. Start the engine.
    5.4. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop, bouncing the wheel off the stops.
    5.5. Stop the engine.
  8. Remove the nut and the pitman arm.
  9. Remove the washer (2) and the seal (1).
  10. Inspect the pitman shaft seal surfaces for roughness or pitting.
  11. If pitted, replace the shaft.

  12. Inspect the housing for burrs.
  13. Remove the burrs before installing the new seals.

  14. Clean the pitman shaft and the seal areas using a crocus cloth.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 245002  Size: MH
  1. Lubricate the new seals (1) with power steering fluid.
  2. Apply a single layer of tape to the pitman arm shaft in order to avoid damaging the seals.
  3. Install the seal.
  4. Install the washer using the J 6219 in order to seat the seal.
  5. The seal should be in far enough in order to install the snap ring.

  6. Install the snap ring (3).
  7. Center the steering wheel.
  8. • Turn the wheel until the wheel stops.
    • Turn the wheel in the opposite direction until the wheel stops, while counting the number of turns.
    • Turn the wheel back 1/2 the number of turns in the previous step.
  9. Install the dust seal (4).
  10. Install the pitman shaft boot (5).
  11. Install the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement .
  12. Bleed the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .