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Steering Gear Replacement

Fig 1: Steering Gear
GM2018631Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Callout Component Name
CAUTION: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or 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 steering shaft coupling
  • The intermediate shaft(s)

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

Preliminary Procedures

  1. With the wheels of the vehicle in the straight ahead position, lock the steering column.
  2. Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt and disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
  3. Perform the following steps in order to lower the frame. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement .
    1. Disconnect the 2 stabilizer shaft links from the struts.
    2. Remove the front exhaust pipe.
    3. If equipped with all-wheel drive, remove the propeller shaft.
    4. Support the frame with a jack.
    5. Remove the rear transmission mount lower bolts.
    6. Remove the rear frame-to-body bolts.
    7. Lower the rear part of the frame a maximum of 50 mm in order to gain clearance for the steering gear.
1 Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Nut (Qty: 2)
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

Tighten:  35 N.m (26 lb ft)
2 Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod (Qty: 2)
Procedure: 
Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
3 Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Fastener

Procedure

  1. Place drain pans under the vehicle in order to catch any power steering fluid.
  2. Install NEW steering gear seals.

Tighten:  9 N.m (80 lb in)
4 Steering Gear Bolt (Qty: 2)
Procedure: 
Install NEW bolts.

Tighten: 

  1. 110 N.m (81 lb ft)
  2. 150 degrees
5 Steering Gear

Procedure

  1. If equipped with variable effort steering, disconnect the electrical connector.
  2. Rotate the front stabilizer shaft in order to gain clearance for the steering gear. DO NOT loosen the stabilizer shaft insulator bolts.
  3. Remove the steering gear through the left front wheel opening.
  4. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  5. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment .

Tip:  The front stabilizer shaft insulators grip the stabilizer shaft and provide resistance to rotating the stabilizer shaft.
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