GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 44015 Tie Rod Installer
    • SA91100C Tie Rod Separator

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

       • The steering column
       • The intermediate shaft
       • The steering gear
    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. Turn the steering wheel to the straight forward position.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  3. Remove the front tires. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

  4. Object Number: 854972  Size: SH
  5. Remove both outer tie rod to steering knuckle nuts. Discard the nuts.

  6. Object Number: 854983  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

    Important: Hold the ball stud to prevent turning during removal of the nut.

  7. Using the SA91100C , separate the tie rods from the steering knuckles.

  8. Object Number: 927947  Size: SH
  9. Rotate the intermediate steering shaft in order to gain access to the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  10. Remove the intermediate to steering gear pinch bolt. Discard the bolt.
  11. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.

  12. Object Number: 927949  Size: SH
  13. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 927988  Size: SH
  15. On CVT equipped vehicles, remove the shift cable clip from the steering gear.

  16. Object Number: 927957  Size: SH
  17. Remove the steering gear to cradle mounting bolts.
  18. Remove the steering gear through the right side of the vehicle.
  19. With heat shield equipped steering gears, remove the heat shield. Save for installation.

Installation Procedure

  1. If applicable, install the heat shield.
  2. Important: Ensure the stabilizer is swung in the upmost position for gear clearance.

  3. Install the steering gear from the right side of the vehicle.

  4. Object Number: 927957  Size: SH
  5. Center the gear mounting bushings into the cradle supports.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  7. Hand start both steering gear to cradle mounting bolts.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 927988  Size: SH
  9. On CVT equipped vehicles, install the shift cable clip to the steering gear.
  10. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear and install a new pinch bolt.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate pinch bolt to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).


    Object Number: 927949  Size: SH
  12. Connect the stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

  13. Object Number: 891579  Size: SH

    Important: Hold the ball stud to prevent turning during installation of the nut.

  14. Using the J 44015 , seat the ball stud taper to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  15. Object Number: 854972  Size: SH

    Important: Hold the ball stud to prevent turning during installation of the nut.

  16. Remove the J 44015 and install a new nuts.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.

  18. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  19. Check the front wheel alignment and align as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .
  20. Lower the vehicle.