GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Seal Replacement Non Rack and Pinion

Tools Required

    • J 4245 Internal Snap Ring Pliers
    • J 6278 Pitman Shaft Bearing Remover and Installer

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 322069  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Mark the position of the pitman arm to the pitman shaft.
  3. Remove the Pitman Arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement .
  4. Drain the power steering fluid from the system.
  5. Remove the pitman shaft and side cover. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle .
  6. Clean the exposed end of the pitman shaft.
  7. Clean the steering gear housing.
  8. Use a wire brush to clean the pitman shaft splines.
  9. Remove the dust seal (1).
  10. Remove the retaining ring using J 4245 .

  11. Object Number: 322075  Size: SH

    Important: Use care not to score the power steering gear housing bore when prying out the seals and the washers.

  12. Use a screwdriver to pry the backup washer (3) and the double lip seal (2) from the power steering gear housing (1).
  13. Inspect the power steering gear housing (1) for burrs.
  14. Remove the power steering gear housing (1) if necessary.

  15. Object Number: 322079  Size: SH
  16. Insert the J 6278 through the hole in the top of the power steering gear housing (1).
  17. Drive out the needle bearing (2).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 322084  Size: SH
  1. Coat the double lip seal (2) and the washer (3) with grease.

  2. Object Number: 322096  Size: SH
  3. Install the needle bearing (2) to the power steering gear housing (1) using J 6278 .

  4. Object Number: 322084  Size: SH
  5. Install the double lip seal (2).
  6. Install the backup washer (3).

  7. Object Number: 322069  Size: SH
  8. Install the retaining ring using the J 4245 .
  9. Install the pitman shaft and the side cover. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle .
  10. Install the dust seal (1).
  11. Install the Pitman Arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement .
  12. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  13. Lower the vehicle.