GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Gear Replacement 6.0L Engine

Tools Required

J-42188-B

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
  2. Remove the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement.

  3. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  4. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  5. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  7. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  8. Object Number: 2153530  Size: SH

    Important: Make reference markings on the tie rod end lock nut (2) and the tie rod end (3) before loosening the tie rod end lock nut (2).

    Important: Measure the distance of the thread (A) in relation to the tie rod end lock nut (2) before loosening the tie rod end lock nut (2).

  9. Make a reference mark (5) parallel to the tie rod end lock nut (2) and the tie rod end (3).
  10. Measure and make a note of the distance of the thread (A) in relation to the tie rod end lock nut (2).
  11. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut (2) half a turn.

  12. Object Number: 2144698  Size: SH
  13. Loosen the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (1) about two turns.

  14. Object Number: 2144701  Size: SH
  15. Using J-42188-B  (1) disconnect the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2).

  16. Object Number: 2144704  Size: SH
  17. Remove and discard the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).
  18. Separate the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2).
  19. Repeat steps 7 to 11 on the opposite side of the vehicle.
  20. Remove the engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.

  21. Object Number: 2153531  Size: SH

    Important: Observing the orientation of the intermediate steering shaft (1) with reference to the pinion shaft (4) will assist in steering alignment.

  22. Make a reference mark (3) parallel to the intermediate steering shaft (1) and the pinion shaft (4).
  23. Remove and discard the intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft retaining bolt (2).
  24. Disconnect the intermediate shaft (1) from the pinion shaft (4).

  25. Object Number: 2144711  Size: SH
  26. Loosen the driver side caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (1) about two turns.

  27. Object Number: 2144712  Size: SH
  28. Using J-42188-B  (1) disconnect the driver side caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (2).

  29. Object Number: 2144713  Size: SH
  30. Remove and discard the driver side caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (3).
  31. Separate the driver side caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (2).

  32. Object Number: 1957050  Size: SH
  33. Place a suitable container under the vehicle below the power steering gear inlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2) and the power steering gear outlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3) to collect draining fluid.
  34. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2).
  35. Remove and discard the copper sealing washers (1).
  36. Plug the steering gear inlet pipe (6) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.
  37. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3).
  38. Remove and discard the copper sealing washers (4).
  39. Plug the steering gear outlet pipe (5) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.

  40. Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH
  41. Remove the and discard the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  42. Remove the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) from the steering gear insulator (3).
  43. Remove the steering gear insulator (3) from the steering gear.
  44. Important: The steering gear assembly must be removed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  45. Remove the steering gear assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH

    Important: The steering gear assembly must be installed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  1. Install the steering gear assembly to the vehicle.
  2. Install the steering gear insulator (3) to the steering gear.
  3. Install the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) to the steering gear insulator (3).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the Bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957050  Size: SH
  7. Remove the plug from the steering gear outlet pipe (5).
  8. Install the NEW copper sealing washers (4).
  9. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  11. Remove the plug from the steering gear inlet pipe (6).
  12. Install the NEW copper sealing washers (1).
  13. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2).
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  15. Remove the container with the drained fluid from the vehicle.

  16. Object Number: 2144713  Size: SH
  17. Install the driver side caster arm (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
  18. Install the NEW driver side caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (3).
  19. Tighten

        • First Pass: Tighten the nut to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).
        • Final Pass: Tighten the nut an additional 60 degrees using E7115 .

    Object Number: 2153531  Size: SH

    Important: Aligning the reference marks (3) will minimise the steering adjustment procedure.

  20. Align the reference mark (3) on the intermediate steering shaft (1) and the reference mark (3) on the pinion shaft (4).
  21. Connect the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the pinion shaft (4).
  22. Install the NEW intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft retaining bolt (2).
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 2153529  Size: SH

    Important: To minimise the wheel alignment procedure the tie rod end (3) must be installed the distance (X) as was noted in the removal procedure.

    Important: To minimise the wheel alignment procedure align the reference mark (5) on the tie rod end (3) and the reference mark (5) on the tie rod end lock nut (2).

    Important: The tie rod end lock nut (2) is not to be fully tightened at this stage.

  24. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering gear assembly (1)
  25. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering knuckle (4).
  26. Install the NEW tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (5).
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  28. Repeat steps 17 to 19 on the opposite side of the vehicle.
  29. Install the engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  30. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  31. Lower the vehicle.

  32. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  33. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  35. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  36. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

    Notice: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.

  37. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the MAXIMUM level marking.
  38. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
  39. Check for power steering fluid leaks.
  40. Install the engine dress cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
  41. Install the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement
  42. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  43. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.

  44. Object Number: 1957046  Size: SH
  45. Tighten the tie rod lock nut (1).
  46. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Steering Gear Replacement 3.6L Engine

Tools Required

J-42188-B

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Remove the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement

  2. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  3. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  4. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the VehicleLifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  6. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and InstallationTire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  7. Object Number: 2153530  Size: SH

    Important: Make reference markings on the tie rod end lock nut (2) and the tie rod end (3) before loosening the tie rod end lock nut (2).

    Important: Measure the distance of the thread (A) in relation to the tie rod end lock nut (2) before loosening the tie rod end lock nut (2).

  8. Make a reference mark (5) parallel to the tie rod end lock nut (2) and the tie rod end (3).
  9. Measure and make a note of the distance of the thread (A) in relation to the tie rod end lock nut (2).
  10. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut (2) half a turn.

  11. Object Number: 2144698  Size: SH
  12. Loosen the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (1) about two turns.

  13. Object Number: 2144701  Size: SH
  14. Using J-42188-B  (1) disconnect the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2).

  15. Object Number: 2144704  Size: SH
  16. Remove and discard the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).
  17. Separate the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2).
  18. Repeat steps 7 to 11 on the opposite side of the vehicle.
  19. Remove the engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield ReplacementEngine Splash Shield Replacement.

  20. Object Number: 2153531  Size: SH

    Important: Observing the orientation of the intermediate steering shaft (1) with reference to the pinion shaft (4) will assist in steering alignment.

  21. Make a reference mark (3) parallel to the intermediate steering shaft (1) and the pinion shaft (4).
  22. Remove and discard the intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft retaining bolt (2).
  23. Disconnect the intermediate shaft (1) from the pinion shaft (4).

  24. Object Number: 2144711  Size: SH
  25. Loosen the driver side caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (1) about two turns.

  26. Object Number: 2144712  Size: SH
  27. Using J-42188-B  (1) disconnect the driver side caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (2).

  28. Object Number: 2144713  Size: SH
  29. Remove and discard the driver side caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (3).
  30. Separate the driver side caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (2).

  31. Object Number: 1957050  Size: SH
  32. Place a suitable container under the vehicle below the power steering gear inlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2) and the power steering gear outlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3) to collect draining fluid.
  33. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2).
  34. Remove and discard the copper sealing washers (1).
  35. Plug the steering gear inlet pipe  (6) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.
  36. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3).
  37. Remove and discard the copper sealing washers (4).
  38. Plug the steering gear outlet pipe (5) to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.

  39. Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH
  40. Remove the and discard the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  41. Remove the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) from the steering gear insulator (3).
  42. Remove the steering gear insulator (3) from the steering gear.
  43. Important: The steering gear assembly must be removed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  44. Remove the steering gear assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH

    Important: The steering gear must be installed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  1. Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
  2. Install the steering gear insulator (3) to the steering gear.
  3. Install the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) to the steering gear insulator (3).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the Bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957050  Size: SH
  7. Remove the plug from the steering gear outlet pipe (5).
  8. Install the NEW copper sealing washers (4).
  9. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  11. Remove the plug from the steering gear inlet pipe (6).
  12. Install the NEW copper sealing washers (1).
  13. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2).
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  15. Remove the container with the drained fluid from the vehicle.

  16. Object Number: 1957047  Size: SH
  17. Install the driver side caster arm (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
  18. Install the driver side front castor arm ball joint to steering knuckle NEW retaining nut (3).
  19. Install the NEW driver side caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (3).

    Tighten

        • First Pass: Tighten the nut to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).
        • Final Pass: Tighten the nut an additional 60 degrees using E7115 .

    Object Number: 2153531  Size: SH

    Important: Aligning the reference marks (3) will minimise the steering adjustment procedure.

  20. Align the reference mark (3) on the intermediate steering shaft (1) and the reference mark (3) on the pinion shaft (4).
  21. Connect the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the pinion shaft (4).
  22. Install the NEW intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft retaining bolt (2).
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 2153529  Size: SH

    Important: To minimise the wheel alignment procedure the tie rod end (3) must be installed the distance (A) as was noted in the removal procedure.

    Important: To minimise the wheel alignment procedure align the reference mark (5) on the tie rod end (3) and the reference mark (5) on the tie rod end lock nut (2).

    Important: The tie rod end lock nut (2) is not to be fully tightened at this stage.

  24. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering gear assembly (1)
  25. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering knuckle (4).
  26. Install the NEW tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (5).
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  28. Repeat steps 17 to 19 on the opposite side of the vehicle.
  29. Install the engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield ReplacementEngine Splash Shield Replacement.
  30. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and InstallationTire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  31. Lower the vehicle.

  32. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  33. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  35. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  36. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

    Notice: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.

  37. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the MAXIMUM level marking.
  38. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  39. Check for power steering fluid leaks.
  40. Install the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement.
  41. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and InstallationTire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  42. Lower the vehicle.
  43. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  44. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

  45. Object Number: 1957046  Size: SH
  46. Tighten the tie rod end lock nut (1).
  47. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).