Power Steering Gear Replacement

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

1. Raise the vehicle using a suspension contact hoist. Support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove both front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
3. Remove the catalytic convertor to the front exhaust pipe retaining nuts.





4. Separate the exhaust pipe flange from the catalytic convertor.
5. Remove the gasket from the catalytic convertor.
6. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.

Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

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.

7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.





8. Remove the tie rod end cotter pins.
9. Remove the tie rod end retaining nuts.





10. Separate the tie rod ends (1) from the steering knuckle (2). Refer to Separating Tie Rod from Steering Knuckle.





11. Remove the power steering heat shield.
12. Disconnect the Magnasteer(R) electrical connector from the steering gear.





13. Remove the power steering inlet and outlet hoses from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Hoses Replacement (Buick) or Power Steering Hoses Replacement (Oldsmobile).





14. Remove the left power steering gear mounting bolts. (lift from the mounting holes).
15. Remove the right power steering gear mounting bolt.
16. Remove the left front wheelhouse retainers.
17. Reposition the left front wheelhouse assembly.
18. Remove the power steering gear from the vehicle through the left side wheel opening.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Install the steering gear through the right wheel opening.
2. Reinstall the front wheelhouse.
3. Install the steering gear mounting bolts.
Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





4. Install the power steering hoses (1,2) to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Hoses Replacement.





5. Install the power steering heat shield.





6. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
Tighten the tie rod nuts to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).

Important: Do not back off the nut for insertion of the cotter pin.

7. Install the tie rod nuts cotter pins.
8. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the gasket to the catalytic converter to the front exhaust pipe flange.
10. Install the catalytic convertor to the front exhaust flange.
11. Install tire and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tire and Alignment.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Fill and bleed the power steering reservoir.
14. Inspect the power steering system for leaks.
15. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Alignment.