GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle 670 Gear

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 740401  Size: SH
  1. Remove the nut (3).
  2. Remove the lock washer (2).
  3. Clean the exposed end of the Pitman shaft.
  4. Clean the steering gear housing (1).
  5. Use a wire brush to clean the Pitman shaft splines.

  6. Object Number: 412386  Size: SH

    Important: The Pitman shaft will not clear the housing if it is not centered.

  7. To center the stub shaft:
  8. 6.1. Rotate the stub shaft (1) with a wrench from stop to stop.
    6.2. Count the number of turns.
    6.3. Rotate the stub shaft back ½ of the total amount of turns.

    Object Number: 412387  Size: SH

    Important: When removing the Pitman shaft assembly, the Pitman arm and its components may fall from the steering gear housing. Support the Pitman arm and its components while removing the Pitman shaft assembly.

  9. Remove the Pitman shaft cover bolts (1) from the Pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).
  10. Remove the lash adjuster nut (2) from the Pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).

  11. Remove the Pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).
  12. Remove the Pitman shaft cover O-ring (4) from the steering gear housing assembly.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 412387  Size: SH
  1. Install the new Pitman shaft cover O-ring (4).
  2. Install the Pitman shaft and cover assembly (3) onto the steering gear housing assembly.
  3. Install the lash adjuster nut (2) onto the Pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the Pitman shaft cover bolts (1) onto the Pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the Pitman shaft cover bolts to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).


    Object Number: 740401  Size: SH
  7. Install the lock washer (2).
  8. Install the nut (3).
  9. If necessary adjust the Pitman shaft. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .

Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle 700 Gear

Disassembly Procedure


    Object Number: 322090  Size: SH
  1. Remove the nut (3).
  2. Remove the lock washer (2).
  3. Clean the exposed end of the pitman shaft.
  4. Clean the steering gear housing (1).
  5. Use a wire brush to clean the pitman shaft splines.

  6. Object Number: 322009  Size: SH
  7. Loosen the adjuster lock nut (1).
  8. Remove the bolts (2).
  9. Remove the nut.
  10. Rotate the stub shaft (6) using a 12-point socket to center the steering gear (7).
  11. Important: When removing the pitman shaft assembly, the pitman arm and its components may fall from the steering gear housing. Support the pitman arm and its components while removing the pitman shaft assembly.

  12. Remove the following items as an assembly:
  13. • The side cover (8)
    • The gasket (3)
    • The pitman shaft (4)
  14. Remove the pitman shaft (4) from the side cover (8).

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 322009  Size: SH
  1. Screw the pitman shaft (4) to the side cover (8) until it fully seats to the side cover (8).
  2. Install the adjuster lock nut (1). Do not tighten the adjuster lock nut (1) until the pitman shaft adjustment is completed.
  3. Install the pitman shaft assembly (4) and the side cover (8) to the steering gear housing (7).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the bolts (2).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts (2) to 60 N·m (45 lb ft).


    Object Number: 322090  Size: SH
  7. Install the lock washer (2).
  8. Install the nut (3).
  9. If necessary, adjust the pitman shaft. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle to adjust the pitman shaft.