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Home >> Pontiac >> 2008 >> G8 Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering System >> Repair Instructions >> Steering Gear Replacement (3.6L Engine) >> Installation Procedure
July 1: So it begins. Don't worry, this is not in the correct legal jurisdiction!

Installation Procedure

    Fig 1: Identifying Steering Gear To Subframe Retaining Bolts
    GM1943686Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    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. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice .
  5. Install the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).

    Tighten:  Tighten the Bolts to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).

  6. Fig 2: View Of Steering Gear Inlet Pipe, Steering Gear Outlet Pipe, Copper Sealing Washers & Retaining Banjo Bolts
    GM1957050Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  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).

    Tighten:  Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).

  10. Remove the plug from the steering gear inlet pipe (6).
  11. Install the NEW copper sealing washers (1).
  12. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2).

    Tighten:  Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).

  13. Remove the container with the drained fluid from the vehicle.
  14. Fig 3: Identifying Driver Side Front Castor Arm Ball Joint To Steering Knuckle Retaining Nut
    GM1957047Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Install the driver side caster arm (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
  16. Install the driver side front castor arm ball joint to steering knuckle NEW retaining nut (3).

    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  .

  17. Fig 4: View Of Pinion Shaft, Reference Mark & Intermediate Steering Shaft
    GM2153531Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: Aligning the reference marks (3) will minimize the steering adjustment procedure.
  18. Align the reference mark (3) on the intermediate steering shaft (1) and the reference mark (3) on the pinion shaft (4).
  19. Connect the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the pinion shaft (4).
  20. Install the NEW intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft retaining bolt (2).

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

  21. Fig 5: Identifying Tie Rod End & Lock Nut
    GM2153529Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: To minimize the wheel alignment procedure the tie rod end (3) must be installed the distance (A) as was noted in the removal procedure.
    IMPORTANT: To minimize 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.
  22. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering gear assembly (1)
  23. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering knuckle (4).
  24. Install the NEW tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (5).

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).

  25. Repeat steps  17 to  19 on the opposite side of the vehicle.
  26. Install the engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement .
  27. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  28. Lower the vehicle.
  29. Fig 6: Identifying Power Steering Gear Inlet & Outlet Bracket To Subframe Retaining Bolts
    GM1957166Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  30. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolt to 9 N.m (80 lb in).

  31. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolt to 9 N.m (80 lb in).

  32. NOTE: 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.
  33. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the MAXIMUM level marking.
  34. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  35. Check for power steering fluid leaks.
  36. Install the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement .
  37. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  38. Lower the vehicle.
  39. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  40. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .
  41. Fig 7: View Of Tie Rod End Lock Nut
    GM1957046Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  42. Tighten the tie rod end lock nut (1).

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).