GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
    • J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 333146  Size: SH

    Caution: 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. Install the J 42640 Pin in order to lock the steering column in the straight ahead position.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  3. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  4. If necessary in order to access the steering gear, remove the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement.
  5. Remove the left side engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.

  6. Object Number: 907425  Size: SH

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

  7. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
  8. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.

  9. Object Number: 909110  Size: SH
  10. Disconnect the variable effort steering harness connector.

  11. Object Number: 886244  Size: SH
  12. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts.

  13. Object Number: 643351  Size: SH
  14. Using the J 24319-B Puller , separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckles.
  15. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.

  16. Object Number: 1301495  Size: SH
  17. Remove the power steering hoses to power steering gear retaining bolt.

  18. Object Number: 2176697  Size: SH
  19. Remove the power steering hoses (1, 3) from the power steering gear.
  20. If equipped with AWD, perform the following steps:
  21. 14.1. Use a suitable jack in order to support the bottom of the front differential housing.

    Object Number: 1067552  Size: SH
    14.2. Loosen the right engine mount nut.
    14.3. Raise the differential housing in order to clear the steering rack bolt.

    Object Number: 874631  Size: SH
  22. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts.
  23. If equipped with the 4.6L V8 (LH2) engine and all wheel drive (AWD), perform the following steps:
  24. 16.1. Disconnect the left brake pipe from the brake hose.
    16.2. Plug the brake pipe.
    16.3. Carefully position the brake pipe to the side.
    16.4. Remove the nut and the bolt that retain the rear of the left front lower control arm to the frame.
  25. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
  2. If equipped with the LH2 engine and AWD, perform the following steps:
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

    2.1. Install the left brake pipe to the brake hose and tighten to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
    2.2. Install the bolt in order to retain the rear of the left front lower control arm to the frame.

            Note: Tighten the lower control arm nut with the lower control arm at normal vehicle ride height.

    2.3. Install the lower control arm nut to the bolt and tighten to 135 N·m (96 lb ft).

    Object Number: 874631  Size: SH
  4. Install the power steering gear retaining bolts and tighten to 180 N·m (133 lb ft).
  5. If equipped with AWD, perform the following steps:
  6. 4.1. Lower the differential housing.

    Object Number: 1067552  Size: SH
    4.2. Install the right lower engine mount to frame nut and tighten to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).
    4.3. Remove the support from the bottom of the differential housing.

    Object Number: 2176697  Size: SH
  7. Install the power steering hoses (1, 3) to the power steering gear.

  8. Object Number: 1301495  Size: SH
  9. Install the power steering hoses to power steering gear retaining bolt and tighten to 23 N·m(17 lb ft).
  10. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.

  11. Object Number: 886244  Size: SH
  12. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckles and tighten the nuts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  13. Object Number: 909110  Size: SH
  14. Connect the variable effort steering harness connector.

  15. Object Number: 907425  Size: SH
  16. Connect the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear.
  17. Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
  18. Install the left side engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  19. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  20. If you removed the front air deflector, install the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement.
  21. Lower the vehicle.

  22. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  23. Remove the J 42640 Pin from the steering column.
  24. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
  25. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment.