LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Chevrolet >> 2021 >> Tahoe SSV >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering System >> Repair Instructions >> Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement >> Installation Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Installation Procedure

  1. GM5584607Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Belt (1) - Install NEW

  2. GM5584582Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    Ensure that the belt is completely installed on to the power steering assist motor pulley. Misalignment of the belt on the pulley will damage the belt and the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear will need to be replaced.

    NOTE:

    If the power steering assist motor is installed at an angle to the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear housing or misaligned then the proper belt tension will NOT be achieved. After alignment and installation, ensure the power steering assist motor is completely flush with the steering gear housing and no gaps are present.

    Apply a thin layer of grease to the power steering assist motor seal. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers 

  3. Power Steering Assist Motor Seal (1)@Power Steering Assist Motor - Install NEW
    4. NOTE:

    Applying grease to the outer channel of the power steering assist motor provides additional protection against water intrusion.

  4. Fill the outer channel of the power steering assist motor with grease. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers 
  5. Install the power steering assist motor (2) into the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear while positioning the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt onto the power steering assist motor pulley.
  6. GM5584603Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    When tightening the NEW power steering assist motor bolts, ensure the power steering assist motor is completely flush with the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear housing and no gaps are present.

    Turn the power steering assist motor clockwise to apply a small amount of tension to the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt and install the 4 NEW power steering assist motor bolts (1) in small, equal increments until all the bolts are tightened by hand.

  7. GM5021526Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    Refer to Fastener Caution .

    Power Steering Assist Motor Pivot Bolt (1) - Tighten - Fastener Specifications 

  8. GM5586978Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    NEVER hold the tester by hand while taking measurements or the readings will be inaccurate.

    Place the body of the GE-50576 - A  Acoustic Belt Tension Tester (2) on a flat surface or secure it to the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear housing.

  9. Position the microphone of the GE-50576-A  Acoustic Belt Tension Tester (2) 6 mm (0.25 in) from the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt (1).
    10. CAUTION:

    Never use a sharp object to strum the belt as belt damage may occur. If the belt is damaged, the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear will need to be replaced.

    NOTE:

    Strum the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt as close as possible to the center position between the two electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear pulleys to achieve the most accurate readings.

  10. Use an allen wrench or finger to strum the steering gear belt at the center location between the two pulleys three times to get an average belt tension reading.
  11. GM5021528Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    If the average electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt tension reading is between 245 Hz - 265 Hz, tighten the 3 remaining power steering assist motor bolts (1) and continue with the procedure. Fastener Specifications 

  12. After all of the power steering assist motor bolts have been tightened to specification, repeat step 11 to ensure the belt tension frequency remains between 245 Hz - 265 Hz.
    13. NOTE:

    Increasing the belt tension increases the frequency. Reducing the belt tension reduces the frequency.

  13. If the average electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt tension reading is above or below 245 Hz - 265 Hz, perform the following steps:
    1. Loosen the power steering assist motor pivot bolt and rotate the power steering assist motor clockwise to increase the tension or counterclockwise to reduce the tension on the belt.
    2. Tighten the power steering assist motor pivot bolt and test the average belt tension three times. Fastener Specifications 
    3. If the average belt tension reading is between 245 Hz - 265 Hz, tighten the 3 power steering assist motor bolts (1). Fastener Specifications 
    4. Continue the process until the average belt tension reading is between 245 Hz - 265 Hz. Once the correct tension is achieved, tighten the 4 power steering assist motor bolts and continue with the procedure. Fastener Specifications 
  14. Remove the GE-50576-A  Acoustic Belt Tension Tester.
  15. GM5584596Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Apply a thin layer of grease to the power steering assist motor seal (1) at the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers 

  16. Power Steering Assist Motor Seal@Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear (1) - Install NEW
  17. GM5021521Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    During installation, the power steering assist motor belt tension access cover MUST be rotated clockwise to clear the lower control arm.

    Rotate the power steering assist motor belt tension access cover (1) clockwise to begin the installation.

  18. GM5021520Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Install the power steering assist motor belt tension access cover (1).

  19. GM5584595Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Steering Gear Bolt (1) - Install NEW and tighten [6x] - Fastener Specifications 

  20. GM5587704Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Steering Gear Nut- Right Side (1) - Install

  21. Steering Gear Bolt- Right Side (2) - Install and tighten - Fastener Specifications 
  22. GM5021392Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    The wiring harness connectors and extension harness connector should engage smoothly when connected. Do NOT force the connectors onto the power steering assist motor.

    Connect the power steering wiring harness extension (1).

  23. Connect the torque sensor power steering control module wiring harness (2).
  24. Connect the power steering control module wiring harness (3).
  25. GM5525701Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Front Lower Control Arm Brace- Right Side (1) - Install

  26. Front Lower Control Arm Bracket Bolt (2) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
  27. GM5021109Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod- Right Side (1) - Install

  28. GM5538912Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    Holding the steering gear rack bar with anything other than a non-serrated adjustable wrench will cause damage to the steering gear

    CAUTION:

    Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Caution .

    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Cover the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear bar (2) with a clean shop towel.

  29. Hold the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear bar (2) with a non-serrated adjustable wrench.
  30. Using a universal inner tie rod wrench, tighten the right side steering linkage inner tie rod (1). Fastener Specifications
  31. GM5522072Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Position a NEW steering gear boot inner clamp (1) on the steering gear boot (2).

  32. Steering Gear Boot- Right Side (2) - Install
  33. GM5020498Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Steering Gear Boot Inner Clamp- Right Side (1) - Tighten- use CH-22610  Keystone Clamp Pliers (2)

  34. GM5020475Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Steering Gear Boot Outer Clamp- Right Side (1) - Install

  35. GM5020469Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Install the right side steering linkage inner tie rod nut (1) until aligned with the previously placed matched mark on the right side steering linkage inner tie rod.

  36. GM5004639Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    Ensure the Outer Tie Rod Boot is not twisted or deformed during assembly. If the boot is twisted or deformed, damage to the boot will occur.

    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    If reusing the steering linkage outer tie rod (1), add a small amount of grease on the lip of the rubber boot seal to prevent twisting or deforming of the boot. Do NOT apply grease to the ball joint stud. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers

  37. Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod- Right Side (1) - Install
  38. GM5004626Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Nut- Right Side (1) - Install and tighten - Fastener Specifications

  39. GM5004592Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    Left side shown, right side similar.

    Tighten the right side steering linkage inner tie rod nut (1) during the front toe adjustment procedure.

  40. GM5513633Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    {without RC1} Install the underbody skid shield.

    1. Underbody Skid Shield (2) - Install
    2. Underbody Skid Shield Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [4x] - Fastener Specifications
  41. GM5512332Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    The proper position of the underbody skid shield is between the underbody splash shield and the front frame.

    {with RC1} Install the underbody skid shield.

    1. Underbody Skid Shield (3) - Install
    2. Underbody Splash Shield Bolt (2) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
    3. Underbody Skid Shield Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
  42. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Steel Wheel) , or Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Aluminum Wheel)
  43. Lower the vehicle.
  44. Connect the battery negative cable. Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (9C1, 5W4) , or Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (KL9)
  45. Perform the necessary programming and setup procedure:Control Module References
  46. Measure and adjust the front toe. Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals