GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.

  3. Object Number: 454261  Size: SH
  4. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

  5. Object Number: 294371  Size: SH

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

    Notice: Set steering shaft so the block tooth on the upper steering shaft is at the 12 o'clock position, the wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead and set the ignition switch to the LOCK position. Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the coil.

    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.

  6. Remove the lower pinch bolt from the power steering gear stub shaft (2).

  7. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  8. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
  9. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the power steering gear stub shaft.
  10. Remove both of the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .

  11. Object Number: 282087  Size: MH
  12. Support the rear of the frame (3) using jackstands.
  13. Remove the frame bolts from the rear of the frame. Refer to Frame Replacement .
  14. Notice: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.

  15. Lower the rear of the frame (3).
  16. Remove the power steering pressure hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement .
  17. Remove the power steering return hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement .
  18. Remove the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector from the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
  19. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1, 4).
  20. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.

  21. Object Number: 454257  Size: SH

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 454257  Size: SH
  1. Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 282087  Size: MH
  3. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1,  4).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 90 N·m (66 lb ft).

  5. Inspect the threads on the power steering pressure hose and the power steering return hose.
  6. Inspect the O-ring seals on the power steering hoses.
  7. Replace the seals if damaged, lubricate the seals before installation.
  8. Install the clamp that holds the power steering hoses to the power steering gear.
  9. Install the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector to the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
  10. Install the power steering pressure hose to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement .
  11. Install the power steering return hose to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement .
  12. Raise the frame into position (3).
  13. Install rear frame bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement .
  14. Remove the jackstands.
  15. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .

  16. Object Number: 294371  Size: SH

    Notice: Set steering shaft so the block tooth on the upper steering shaft is at the 12 o'clock position, the wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead and set the ignition switch to the LOCK position. Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the coil.

    Important: During the installation of the intermediate steering shaft, ensure the steering shaft is seated before you install the pinch bolt. The two mating shafts may disengage if the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before the steering shaft installation.

  17. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  18. Install the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
  19. Install the lower pinch bolt to the intermediate steering shaft at the power steering gear stub shaft.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the pinch bolt to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 294376  Size: SH
  21. Install the intermediate steering shaft seal onto the power steering gear.
  22. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  23. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
  24. Lower the vehicle.
  25. Remove the J 42640 from the steering column.
  26. Fill the power steering system with power steering fluid. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
  27. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  28. Inspect the power steering system for leaks. Refer to Power Steering Fluid Leaks .
  29. Preform a front end alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .