GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 44015 Steering Linkage Installer
    • SA91100C Tie Rod Separator

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

       • The steering column
       • The intermediate shaft
       • The steering gear
    After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.

  1. Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible if equipped with hydraulic power steering (HPS).
  2. Place drain pans under the vehicle as needed if equipped with HPS.
  3. Remove the front tire/wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

  4. Object Number: 1865912  Size: SH
  5. Remove both steering linkage outer tie rod nuts (1) and discard them.
  6. Notice: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

  7. Use separator SA91100C to separate the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.

  8. Object Number: 1865914  Size: SH
  9. Remove the steering shaft coupling bolt (1) and disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear.

  10. Object Number: 1865915  Size: SH
  11. Remove the stabilizer shaft link nuts (3) and disconnect the stabilizer shaft links (1) from the stabilizer shaft (2).
  12. Remove the steering gear bolts and nuts.
  13. Rotate the stabilizer shaft to provide clearance for the steering gear.

  14. Object Number: 1819491  Size: SH
  15. Remove the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) if equipped with HPS.

  16. Object Number: 1819480  Size: SH

    Important: Do not reuse the old O-Ring seals.

  17. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet hose (2) and the power steering cooler hose (1) from the steering gear if equipped with HPS.
  18. Maneuver and remove the steering gear through the left wheelhouse opening.

Installation Procedure

  1. Maneuver the steering gear into the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening. Make sure that the steering gear bushings are centered in the frame.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Hand start all steering gear bolts and nuts before finalizing any torques.

  3. Install the steering gear bolts and nuts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1865914  Size: SH
  5. Connect the steering shaft coupling to the steering gear and install a new steering shaft coupling bolt (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1819480  Size: SH

    Important: Use NEW O-Ring seals.

  7. Connect the power steering gear inlet hose (2) and the power steering cooler hose (1) to the steering gear if equipped with HPS.

  8. Object Number: 1819491  Size: SH
  9. Install the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) if equipped with HPS.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in)


    Object Number: 1865915  Size: SH
  11. Connect the stabilizer shaft links (1) to the stabilizer shaft (2) and install the stabilizer shaft link nuts (3).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 891579  Size: SH
  13. Use installer J 44015 to seat the steering linkage outer tie rods.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten installer J 44015 to 40 N·m (30 lb ft)


    Object Number: 1865912  Size: SH
  15. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod nuts (1).
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.

  17. Clean any excess fluid from the vehicle and remove the drain pans if equipped with HPS.
  18. Fill and bleed the power steering system if equipped with HPS. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding
  19. Install the front tire/wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  20. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment .