GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Tahoe - 4WD 🢒 Transmission/Transaxle 🢒 Manual Transmission - ZF S6-650 🢒 Shift Tower Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Important: 

       • Ensure that the shift lever is positioned into the mechanical third or fourth gear prior to removal of the shift housing from the transmission. The transmission must remain in this state when the shift housing is removed.
       • When removing the shift housing from the transmission, use the exposed bolts on the base of the housing.

  1. Remove the shift lever.

    2. Object Number: 692215 Size: SH
  2. Remove the shift lever from the shift tower.
  3. Do not remove the shift lever adjusting nut.

    4. Object Number: 394463 Size: SH
  4. Remove 4 plastic retainer plugs securing the shift boot retainer to the shift boot.
  5. Remove the 4 screws securing the shift boot and insulator to the floor panel.
  6. Remove the retainer and shift boot from the shift lever.

    7. Object Number: 691688 Size: SH
  7. With a flat tool pull back the insulator to access the shift tower bolts.
  8. Remove the 4 shift tower bolts securing the shift housing to the transmission.
  9. Turn and release the shift tower and pull through the insulator.

Disassemble Procedure

    Object Number: 721642 Size: SH
  1. Remove the control lever nut (1) from the lower control lever.
  2. Remove the lower control lever (3) from the shift control housing (2). Lightly tap the housing from the lever.
  3. Remove the lower control lever pivot pin bushings (4).

    4. Object Number: 721644 Size: SH
  4. Remove the lower control lever boot from the shift control housing.

Inspection and Repair

    Object Number: 721679 Size: SH
  1. Clean the lower control lever and parts in cleaning solvent. Air dry.
  2. Inspect the threads (1) on the lower control lever for damage.
  3. Inspect the lower control lever (2) for being bent.
  4. Inspect the pivot pins (3) on the lower control lever for excessive wear.
  5. Inspect the lower control lever pivot pins bushing for cracking or wear.
  6. Inspect the shift control housing for excessive wear in the pivot pin bushing slots (5).
  7. Inspect the lower control lever boot for tears or cracking.
  8. Replace any parts found with damage.

Assembly Procedure

    Object Number: 727453 Size: SH
  1. Install the shift control housing in a vise.

    2. Important: Do not use petroleum base lubricants or silicone lubricants when installing the shift control lever boot.

  2. Lubricate the shift control lever boot with liquid soap.
  3. Install the shift control lever boot with the retainer ring in the shift control housing.
    4. 3.1. Use your thumb to push in the boot in the housing at a slight angle.
    3.2. Pull down on the boot while pushing down with your thumb.
    3.3. Work the boot until completely seated.
    3.4. Inspect to ensure boot is fully seated in the housing and not torn.

    Object Number: 721642 Size: SH

    Important: The pivot pin bushings are tapered and can be installed only one way. The slot on the bushings must align towards the transmission side of the housing.

  4. Install the lower control lever pivot pin bushings (4) on the lower control lever (3).
  5. Install the lower control lever (3) into the housing (2) and the boot. The housing is marked FRONT and the lever angles to the rear. Ensure the slot on the bushings are aligning to the transmission side of the housing.
  6. Position the boot in the groove of the lever.
  7. Install the lower control lever nut (1) on the lower control lever.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 691688 Size: SH
  1. Apply Gasket Maker GM P/N 12378517 to the surface of the shift tower.
  2. Push the shift tower back through the insulator, position and turn the shift tower back into place.
  3. With a flat tool pull back the insulator to install the shift tower bolts.

    4. 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.

  4. Install the 4 bolts securing the shift housing to the transmission.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the shift housing bolts to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).


    Object Number: 394463 Size: SH
  5. Position the retainer and shift boot onto the shift lever.
  6. Install the 4 screws securing the shift boot and insulator to the floor panel.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  7. Install 4 plastic retainer plugs securing the shift boot retainer to the shift boot.

    8. Object Number: 692215 Size: SH
  8. Install the shift lever to the shift tower.

    9. If required, use the shift lever adjusting nut to center the shift lever.

    Tighten
    Tighten the shift lever nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).