GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 .

Steering Gear Replacement Non Rack and Pinion

Tools Required

    • J 6632-01 Pitman Arm Puller
    • J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
    • J 29107-A Pitman Arm Puller

Removal Procedure

  1. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
  2. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
  3. For vehicles equipped with a 6.6L diesel, remove the left charge air cooler hose. Refer to Charged Air Cooler Hoses/Pipes Replacement .
  4. 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.

  5. Remove the power steering hoses from the steering gear.
  6. Cap the ends of the hoses and the power steering gear in order to prevent any entrance of dirt.
  7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 828839  Size: SH
  9. Remove the Pitman arm to relay rod nut.

  10. Object Number: 832396  Size: SH
  11. Disconnect the Pitman arm from the relay rod using the J 24319-B .

  12. Object Number: 340417  Size: SH
  13. Remove the bolts retaining the steering gear to the frame.
  14. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

  15. Object Number: 398127  Size: SH
  16. Remove the Pitman arm to the power steering gear retaining nut.

  17. Object Number: 398243  Size: SH
  18. Remove the Pitman arm from the power steering gear using the J 6632-01 or the J 29107-A .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 398127  Size: SH
  1. Install the Pitman arm to the power steering gear.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the Pitman arm to power steering gear retaining nut and washer.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 250 N·m (184 lb ft).


    Object Number: 340417  Size: SH
  5. Install the steering gear to the frame and install the retaining bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 150 N·m (110 lb ft).


    Object Number: 828839  Size: SH
  7. Install the Pitman arm to the relay rod.
  8. Install the Pitman arm to the relay rod nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).

  10. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Lower Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
  11. Remove the caps or plugs from the steering gear and hoses.
  12. Install the hoses to the steering gear.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the hose fittings to 28 N·m (20 lb ft).

  14. For vehicles equipped with a 6.6L diesel, install the left charge air cooler hose. Refer to Charged Air Cooler Hoses/Pipes Replacement ).
  15. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
  16. Remove the safety stands.
  17. Lower the vehicle.
  18. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .