Power Steering Gear Replacement
REMOVAL PROCEDURE- Tools Required
- J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
NOTICE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.
1. Set the steering wheel and the front tires and wheels in a straight ahead position.
2. Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.
CAUTION: When you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, you must disable the SIR system. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.
3. Disable the Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System.
4. Remove the power steering fluid from the reservoir (1) using a syringe.
5. Raise and support the vehicle.
6. Remove the skid plate.
7. Remove the left outer tie rod nut (1) from the knuckle (2).
8. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the left outer tie rod end (3) from the knuckle.
9. Remove the right outer tie rod nut from the knuckle.
10. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the right outer tie rod end from the knuckle.
11. Place a drain pan or a suitable container under the steering gear.
NOTICE: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Notice in Service Precautions.
12. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bolt (5) and the 2 gaskets from the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose (6).
13. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose (6) from the steering gear.
14. Loosen the hose clamp and remove the power steering fluid reservoir hose (3) from the steering gear.
15. Plug the power steering hoses in order to keep the fluid from escaping.
16. Remove the intermediate steering shaft clamp bolt (2).
17. Disconnect the lower steering shaft (1) from the steering gear.
18. Using paint, place match marks (2,4) on the pinion shaft (3) and steering gear housing (1).
IMPORTANT: Do NOT disassemble the power steering gear.
19. Remove the 4 steering gear mounting bolts (1).
20. Remove the steering gear with the insulators and the brackets from the vehicle.
21. Remove the 2 brackets from the steering gear.
22. Remove the 2 insulators from the steering gear.
23. Place a match mark, using paint, on the LH inner tie rod thread and the RH inner tie rod thread indicating the position of the LH tie rod lock nut and the RH tie rod lock nut.
24. Loosen the 2 tie rod lock nuts and remove the 2 outer tie rod ends from the inner tie rods (1)
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: When replacing the steering gear, measure the location of the match mark made on the original inner tie rods. Use this measurement in order to make a corresponding mark on the replacement steering gear.
1. Using paint, place a match mark (2) on the LH inner tie rod and the RH inner tie rod in order to position the 2 lock nuts during assembly.
2. Install the 2 tie rod lock nuts to the inner tie rods. Position the lock nuts at the match marks. DO NOT tighten the lock nuts.
3. Install the 2 outer tie rod ends to the inner tie rods. DO NOT tighten the outer tie rod ends or the lock nuts.
IMPORTANT: When replacing the steering gear, measure the location of the match mark made on the pinion shaft (3) and the steering gear housing (4). Make corresponding marks on the replacement steering gear in order to set the rack in the straight ahead position.
4. Using paint, place match marks (2,4) on the pinion shaft (3) and on the steering gear housing (1).
IMPORTANT: Verify that the steering wheel and the front tires and wheels are in a straight ahead position.
5. Install the 2 insulators to the steering gear (3).
6. Install the steering gear to the vehicle. Secure the steering gear to the vehicle with the 2 brackets and 4 bolts (1). DO NOT tighten the bolts.
7. In order to set the rack in the straight ahead position, align the match mark (2) on the pinion shaft with the match mark (4) on the steering gear housing.
NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
8. Connect the lower steering shaft to the steering gear. Install the intermediate steering shaft clamp bolt (2).
- Tighten the bolt to 25 Nm (18.0 ft. lbs.).
9. Tighten the mounting bolts (1) on the steering gear.
- Tighten the bolts to 55 Nm (40.0 ft. lbs.).
10. Remove the plugs from the disconnected pipes and hoses.
NOTICE: Refer to Installing Hoses Without Twists or Bends in Service Precautions.
11. Install the power steering fluid reservoir hose (3) to the steering gear. Secure with the hose clamp.
12. Install the following to the steering gear:
- The power steering gear inlet pipe/hose (6)
- The 2 gaskets
- The power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bolt (5)
13. Tighten the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bolt (5).
- Tighten the bolt to 35 Nm (25.5 ft. lbs.).
14. Install the skid plate.
15. Lower the vehicle.
NOTICE: Refer to Using Proper Power Steering Fluid When Adding in Service Precautions.
16. Fill the reservoir with DEXRON-III Automatic Transmission Fluid, GM P/N 12346143, or equivalent, and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding Power Steering System.
17. Enable the SIR.
18. Measure the front toe.
19. Adjust the front toe, if necessary.
- Tighten the tie rod lock nut (2) to 65 Nm (47 ft. lbs.).