Tools Required

J 45059 Angle Meter

Notice: The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components:

•	The steering column

•	The steering shaft coupling

•	The intermediate shaft

•	The lower steering shaft

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
1. LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
3. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
4. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to collect the fluid from the power steering system.

Notice: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Notice in the Preface section.




5. Remove the pressure (1) and return (3) pipes from the steering gear.
6. Remove and discard the 2 O-rings from the steering gear.



7. Remove and discard the nut (3) that retains the steering shaft coupling (2) to the steering gear pinion (4).
8. Remove the bolt (1) from the coupling.
9. Separate the coupling from the pinion.
10. Remove the 2 outer tie rod ends. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
11. Remove the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts that retain the steering gear to the front frame.
12. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

1. Verify the steering gear is in the straight ahead position.
2. Verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.



3. Slide the steering gear pinion (3) into the steering shaft coupling.
4. Install the steering gear to the front frame.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

5. Install the 2 bolts (7) and the 2 nuts (8) in order to retain the steering gear to the front frame.

Tighten

1. Tighten the 2 nuts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
2. Use the J 45059 in order to tighten the 2 nuts an additional 45 degrees.
6. Apply GM Goodwrench Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRON®-III, GM P/N 12378470, or the equivalent ATF, in order to lubricate a 2 NEW O-rings for the steering gear.

Notice: Refer to Installing Hoses without Twists or Bends Notice in the Preface section.




7. Install the pressure (1) and return (3) pipes to the steering gear.

Tighten
Tighten the flare nuts to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).




8. Install the bolt (1) in order to retain the coupling (2) to the steering gear pinion (4). Install a NEW nut (3) to the bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).

9. Install the 2 outer tie rod ends. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
10. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
11. Remove the drain pan.
12. Lower the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Using Proper Power Steering Fluid Notice in the Preface section.

Notice: Refer to Air in the Power Steering System Notice in the Preface section.

13. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
14. Measure the wheel alignment. Adjust the alignment if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.