GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

KM-507-C Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

    Important: The left-hand drive model is shown. The right-hand drive model is similar.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  3. Notice: Refer to Steering Column in Lock Position Notice in the Preface section.

  4. Lock the steering column in the straight-ahead position.
  5. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  6. Place a drain pan under the steering gear in order to catch the power steering fluid.
  7. Notice: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1256239  Size: SH
  8. Loosen the fitting and remove the pressure pipe from the power steering gear fluid inlet.

  9. Object Number: 1256240  Size: SH
  10. Loosen the fitting and remove the return pipe from the power steering gear fluid outlet.
  11. Ensure the steering gear is in the straight-ahead position.

  12. Object Number: 1256241  Size: SH
  13. Scribe a mark on the stub shaft housing that lines up with a mark on the intermediate shaft lower coupling.
  14. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.

  15. Object Number: 1860845  Size: SH
  16. Remove the outer tie rod nuts and disconnect the tie rod ends from the knuckle using the KM-507-C .
  17. Disconnect the speed sensitive power steering (SSPS) solenoid valve connector, if equipped.
  18. Caution: Failure to support crossmember can cause crossmember to drop to the ground when crossmember mounting bolts are removed.

  19. Lower the crossmember assembly enough in order to access of the rack and pinion assembly. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement .

  20. Object Number: 1860847  Size: SH
  21. Remove the nuts and the bolts from the mounting brackets on the right--hand side of the steering gear.

  22. Object Number: 1860848  Size: SH
  23. Remove the bolts from the left-hand side of the steering gear.
  24. Remove the steering gear from the crossmember assembly.

Installation Procedure

  1. Verify the steering gear and the steering wheel are in the straight-ahead position.
  2. Install the steering gear to the crossmember assembly.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1860848  Size: SH
  4. Install the bolts to the left-hand side of the steering gear.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the steering gear bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1860847  Size: SH
  6. Install the nuts and the bolts to the mounting brackets on the right--hand side of the steering gear.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the steering gear mounting bracket bolts and nuts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  8. Install the crossmember assembly. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement .
  9. Connect the SSPS solenoid valve connector, if equipped.

  10. Object Number: 1256247  Size: SH
  11. Connect the tie rod ends to the knuckle.
  12. Install the outer tie rod nuts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1256241  Size: SH
  14. Align the marks on the shafts in order to ensure proper positioning. Seat the stub shaft into the intermediate shaft.
  15. Install the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

    Notice: Refer to Installing Hoses without Twists or Bends Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1256239  Size: SH
  17. Connect the pressure pipe to the power steering gear fluid inlet.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the pressure pipe fitting to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1256240  Size: SH
  19. Connect the return pipe to the power steering gear fluid outlet.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the return pipe fitting to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).

  21. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  22. Lower the vehicle.
  23. Notice: Refer to Using Proper Power Steering Fluid Notice in the Preface section.

    Notice: Refer to Air in the Power Steering System Notice in the Preface section.

  24. Refill the power steering system and check for leaks. If the leaks are found, correct the cause of the leak and bleed the system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  25. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  26. Inspect the vehicle. Refer to Preliminary Alignment Inspection and to Straight Ahead Inspection .
  27. Measure the wheel alignment.
  28. If necessary, adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment .