GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Gear Replacement Non-Rack and Pinion

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 340417  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not start the vehicle with any power steering gear inlet or outlet hoses disconnected. When disconnected, plug or cap all openings of components. Failure to do so could result in contamination or loss of power steering fluid and damage to the system.

  1. Remove the hoses from the steering gear.
  2. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column-Standard or Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column- Tilt.
  3. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands.
  4. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  5. Remove the pitman arm from the steering gear. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  6. Remove the bolts retaining the steering gear to the frame.
  7. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 340417  Size: SH

    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.

  1. Install the steering gear to the frame and install the retaining bolts.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the steering gear retaining bolts to 135 N·m (100 lb ft).

  3. Install the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  4. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  5. Remove the safety stands.
  6. Lower the vehicle.

  7. Remove the caps or plugs from the steering gear and hoses.
  8. Connect the hoses to the steering gear.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the hoses fittings to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).

  10. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column-Standard or Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column- Tilt.
  11. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Steering Gear Replacement Rack and Pinion

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 362069  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove both of the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
  4. Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  5. Remove the stabilizer bar mounting brackets from the frame and lower the stabilizer bar.
  6. Place a drain pan under the lines in order to catch the fluid.
  7. Remove the power steering high pressure line (2) from the rack and pinion assembly (3).
  8. Remove the power steering low pressure line (1) from the rack and pinion assembly (3).
  9. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion assembly. Refer to Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

  10. Object Number: 388730  Size: SH
  11. Remove the rack and pinion assembly mounting nuts (1), the washers (2) and the bolts (4).
  12. Remove the rack and pinion assembly (3) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 388730  Size: SH
  1. Install the rack and pinion assembly (3) into the vehicle.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the rack and pinion assembly mounting bolts (4), the washers (2) and the nuts (1).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 185 N·m (136 lb ft).

  5. Connect the intermediate shaft to the rack and pinion assembly. Refer to Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 362069  Size: SH
  7. Install the power steering low pressure hose (1) to the rack and pinion assembly (3).
  8. Install the power steering high pressure hose (2) to the rack and pinion assembly (3).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten both hoses to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).

  10. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
  11. Install the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  12. Install the stabilizer bar mounting brackets to the frame.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).


    Object Number: 740832  Size: SH
  14. If the steering gear is equipped with a ground strap, install the ground strap to the crossmember bracket.
  15. • Place the ground strap on the left side of the bracket and mark the location.
    • Center punch the bolt hole location.
    • Drill a hole using a 7 mm (9/32 in) drill bit.
    • Install the bolt and washer retaining the ground strap to the crossmember.

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  16. Install both of the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  17. Remove the safety stands.
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .