Squawk, Whistle, Whine, Moan Noise From Front of Vehicle On Right Turns (Replace Power Steering Gear)

Some customers may comment on a squawk, whistle, whine or moan noise from the front of the vehicle. This condition is usually more noticeable on right-hand turns.

The noise may be caused by the internal design of the power steering gear spool valve.

Follow the service procedure below to correct this condition.

1. Place a drain pan below the steering gear.
2. Disconnect the hoses from the steering gear. Raise up the hoses in order to prevent oil drainage.
3. Cap the ends of the hoses and the gear fittings in order to prevent the entrance of dirt.

Caution: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

4. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands.

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 SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

5. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.




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.

6. Remove the connecting rod nut (2) from the pitman arm (3).



7. Using the J 24319-B , separate the connecting rod from the pitman arm .
8. Remove the pitman arm nut and washer.




Notice: Do not hammer on the pitman arm, pitman arm shaft or puller. Damage to the pitman arm or steering gear may result.

9. Remove the pitman arm using the J 6632-01 or the J 29107-A .



10. Remove the steering gear frame bolts (3) and the steering gear (1) from the vehicle.
11. Install the new steering gear, P/N 26111186, in the vehicle.
12. Install the steering gear-to-frame bolts

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 135 N·m (98 lb ft).

13. Install the pitman arm on the pitman shaft.
14. Install the pitman arm washer and nut.

Tighten
Tighten the pitman arm retaining nut to 250 N·m (184 lb ft).

15. Connect the connecting rod to the pitman arm ball stud. Make sure the seal is on the stud.

Tighten
Tighten the J 29193 or the J 29194 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

16. Remove the J 29193.
17. Install the connecting rod nut.

Tighten
Tighten the connecting rod nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

18. Install the intermediate shaft on the steering gear.
19. Install the intermediate shaft to stub shaft bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the intermediate shaft retaining bolt to the steering gear stub shaft to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).

20. Remove the safety stands.
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. Remove the caps from the steering gear and hoses.
23. Connect the hoses to the steering gear.

Tighten
Tighten the hose fittings to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

24. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System (SI Document ID #487449).
25. Road test and verify that the vehicle is repaired.

Parts are expected to be available from GMSPO on October 3, 2003.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: