GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

Removal Procedure

    Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

  1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight forward position and lock it in place.
  2. Place drain pans under the vehicle as needed.
  3. Remove the steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement
  4. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 1801218  Size: SH
  6. Remove the rack and pinion outer tie rod nuts.
  7. Important: Do not free the rack and pinion outer tie rod from the steering knuckle by use of a pickle fork or a wedge type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

  8. Using puller J 24319-B , separate the rack and pinion outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.

  9. Object Number: 1831763  Size: SH
  10. Remove the intermediate steering shaft pinch bolt and separate the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
  11. Notice: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.

  12. Place a jack stand at the rear of the cradle support.
  13. Remove the 2 rear cradle support bolts.
  14. Using the jack stand, lower the rear of the cradle support for clearance.

  15. Object Number: 1801586  Size: SH
  16. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet hose (1) and the power steering cooler hose (2) from the steering gear (3). Discard the O-ring seals.

  17. Object Number: 1801645  Size: SH
  18. Remove the steering gear nuts (1) and bolts (2).
  19. Remove the steering gear through the left side wheel opening.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the steering gear through the left side wheel opening.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1801645  Size: SH

    Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:

       • The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.
       • The fastener develops 2 N·m (18 lb in) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.
    If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

  3. Install the steering gear nuts (1) and bolts (2).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts and bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) plus 60 degrees.


    Object Number: 1801586  Size: SH
  5. Using NEW O-ring seals, connect the power steering gear inlet hose (1) and power steering cooler hose (2) to the steering gear (3).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the fittings to 27 N·m (20 lb ft)

  7. Using the jack stand, raise the rear of the cradle support.
  8. Install the 2 rear cradle support bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 165 N·m (122 lb ft).

  10. Remove the jack stand.

  11. Object Number: 1831763  Size: SH
  12. Install the intermediate steering shaft pinch bolt to the steering gear.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).

  14. Position the rack and pinion outer tie rods into the steering knuckles.

  15. Object Number: 1801218  Size: SH

    Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:

       • The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.
       • The fastener develops 2 N·m (18 lb in) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.
    If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

    Important: Ensure that 2.5-4.5 tie rod end threads are visible beyond the tie rod nut nylon.

  16. Install the rack and pinion outer tie rod nuts.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) + 120 degrees (2 flats).

  18. Clean any excess fluid from the vehicle and remove the drain pans.
  19. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  20. Install the steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement
  21. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  22. Adjust front toe as necessary. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment .