GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 663696  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  4. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
  5. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
  6. Remove the power steering pressure and return hoses from the power steering gear.
  7. Remove the power steering line hold-downs from the crossmember.
  8. Remove the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) bracket. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement.
  9. Remove the 2 front crossmember mounting nuts.
  10. Using hand tools only, LOOSEN, Do Not Remove, the 2 rear crossmember mounting nuts 10 mm (0.394 in).
  11. Disconnect the height sensor arm to the control arm.
  12. Use a utility stand to support the front of the crossmember.
  13. Using the J 33432-A , by compressing the coil spring, it will allow the crossmember to lower enough to properly remove the gear.
  14. Remove the lower shock mounting bolts.
  15. Remove the brake pipe bracket for the left front brake caliper from the crossmember.
  16. Remove the plastic brake pipe hold-down for the right front brake pipe.
  17. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts (3) and nuts (2).
  18. Maneuver the power steering gear around the brake lines (1) from the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.

Installation Procedure

    Important: For Z06 applications, replace the crossmember-to-steering gear insulators.


    Object Number: 663696  Size: SH
  1. Install the power steering gear (1) into the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts (3) and nuts (2).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  5. Install the lower shock mounting bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
  6. Raise the crossmember by the utility stand and remove J 33432-A .
  7. Install all of the crossmember mounting nuts.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts, using hand tools only, to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  9. Install the brake pipe bracket for the left front brake caliper to the crossmember.
  10. Install the plastic brake pipe hold-down for the right front brake pipe.
  11. Install the brake BPMV bracket. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement.
  12. Install the power steering pressure hose to the power steering gear.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the fittings to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  14. Install the power steering return hose to the power steering gear.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the fittings to 27 N·m (29 lb ft).

  16. Install the power steering hold-downs to the crossmember.
  17. Install the stabilizer shaft to the crossmember. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
  18. Connect the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
  19. Connect the height sensor arm to the control arm.
  20. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  21. Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  22. Lower the vehicle.
  23. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
  24. Adjust the front wheel toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment.