Power Steering System Whistle (Replace P/S Gear (Rack and Pinion) Assembly)

Some customers may comment on a power steering whistle noise. This condition may be more noticeable when the vehicle is warm.

A new power steering gear (rack and pinion) assembly has been developed to correct this condition. Replace the power steering gear (rack and pinion) assembly on affected vehicles. Use the following service procedure and the part numbers listed below.

Important: In diagnosing, do not overlook other obvious repairs prior to replacing the power steering gear (rack and pinion) assembly.

1. Inspect the fluid level in the power steering (PS) pump reservoir. Refer to the Power Steering System subsection of the Service Manual for information on checking and adding power steering fluid.
2. Visually inspect the PS system for leaks.
3. Verify that the accessory drive belt is in good condition and that the pulleys are not bent or damaged.
4. If no other concerns are found after performing the above steps, proceed to the Power Steering Gear (Rack and Pinion) Assembly Replacement procedure below.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to the General Information subsection of the Service Manual for information on lifting and jacking the vehicle.
2. Remove the engine shield attaching bolts and the shield.



3. Remove the PS high pressure line (2) from the rack and pinion unit (3).
4. Remove the PS low pressure line (1) from the rack and pinion unit (3).
5. Remove the steering gear coupling shaft pinch bolt.
6. Remove the right and left outer tie rod end nuts.
7. Remove the tie rod ends nuts from the steering knuckles.



8. Remove the nuts (1) retaining the rack and pinion unit (3). Remove and rack and pinion unit from the vehicle.
9. Remove and transfer the outer tie rod ends to the new steering gear.

Tighten
Tighten the tie rod end jam nuts to 68 N·m (50 lb ft).

10. Install the new steering rack to the vehicle.

Tighten
Tighten the steering rack attachment bolts to 185 N·m (135 lb ft).

11. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.

Tighten
Tighten the tie rod end nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

12. Install the steering gear coupling shaft pinch bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the pinch bolt to 50 N·m (35 lb ft).

13. Install the high and low pressure lines to the steering gear.

Tighten
Tighten the lines to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).




14. If the steering gear is equipped with a ground strap, install the ground strap to the crossmember bracket.

•	Locate the crossmember bracket. See illustration.

•	Place the ground strap on the left side of the bracket and mark the location.

•	Center punch the bolt hole location.

•	Drill the bolt hole using a 7 mm (9/32 in) bit.

•	Install the ground strap to the crossmember bracket using bolt/screw, P/N 15709061 and washer, P/N 11501869.

15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to the Power Steering System subsection of the Service Manual for PS system bleeding procedures.
17. Adjust the front toe. Refer to the Wheel Alignment subsection of the Service Manual for the adjustment procedure.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: