GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Gear Replacement 3.6L Engine RHD

Tools Required

CH-49405 Ball Joint Release Too.l

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Remove the engine dress cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
  2. Remove the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement.

  3. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  4. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  5. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  7. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  8. Object Number: 1957100  Size: SH

    Important: Mark the tie rod end (3) and tie rod end lock nut (2) in relation to the tie rod (1).

  9. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut (2) half a turn.
  10. Important: Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  11. Remove the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (4).
  12. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1957102  Size: SH

    Important: Once a load is applied by the ball joint release tool loading bolt, a quick tap on the nut end of the tool will reduce the separating force required.

  13. Separate the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2) using the CH-49405 (1).
  14. Remove the CH-49405 (1).
  15. Disconnect the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (1).
  16. Important: Note the number of turns required to remove.

  17. Remove the tie rod end (3) from the tie rod (4).
  18. Repeat steps 6 to 11 on the other side of the vehicle.
  19. Remove the engine undertray. Refer to.

  20. Object Number: 1957815  Size: SH

    Important: Observing the orientation of the intermediate steering shaft (1) with reference to the pinion shaft (3) will minimise the potential of incorrect steering column assembly alignment.

  21. Mark the intermediate steering shaft (1) in relation to the pinion shaft (3).
  22. Remove the intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft retaining bolt (2).
  23. Important: Bolts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  24. Disconnect the intermediate shaft (2) from the pinion shaft (3).
  25. Discard the bolt.

  26. Lower the vehicle.

  27. Object Number: 1957040  Size: SH

    Important: Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  28. Remove the driver side front castor arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).
  29. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1957043  Size: SH

    Important: Once a load is applied by the release tool loading bolt, a quick tap on the nut end of the tool will reduce the separating force required.

  30. Separate the driver side front castor arm (3) from the steering knuckle (1) using the CH-49405 (2).
  31. Disconnect the driver side front castor arm (3) from the steering knuckle (1).
  32. Place a large suitable container under the vehicle in order to collect draining fluid.

  33. Object Number: 1957052  Size: SH

    Important: The power steering inlet pipe/hose (5) must be plugged to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.

    Important: The copper sealing washers (1) must be discarded after removal.

  34. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2) and copper sealing washers (1).
  35. Plug the steering gear inlet pipe/hose (5).

    Discard the washers.

    Important: The power steering outlet pipe/hose (6) must be plugged to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.

    Important: The copper sealing washers (4) must be discarded after removal.

  36. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3) and copper sealing washers (4).
  37. Plug the steering gear outlet pipe/hose (6).

    Discard the washers.


    Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH
  38. Remove the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  39. Remove the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) from the steering gear insulator (3).
  40. Remove the steering gear insulator (3) from the steering gear.
  41. Important: The steering gear must be removed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  42. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH

    Important: The steering gear must be installed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  1. Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
  2. Install the steering gear insulator (3) to the steering gear.
  3. Install the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) to the steering gear insulator (3).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the Bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957052  Size: SH
  7. Remove the plug from the steering gear inlet pipe/hose (5).
  8. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (1) and NEW copper sealing washers (2).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (42 lb ft).

  10. Remove the plug from the steering gear outlet pipe/hose (6).
  11. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3) and NEW copper sealing washers (4).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  13. Remove the container from under the vehicle.

  14. Object Number: 1957047  Size: SH
  15. Connect the driver side front castor arm (2) to the steering knuckle (1).
  16. Install the driver side front castor arm ball joint to steering knuckle NEW retaining nut (3).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten nut to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957815  Size: SH

    Important: The intermediate steering shaft and pinion shaft splines must be installed in the position recorded during removal and aligned with the marks previously made.

  18. Connect the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the pinion shaft (3).
  19. Install the intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft NEW retaining bolt (2).
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957101  Size: SH

    Important: The tie rod end (3) must be installed rotating the same number of turns as recorded during removal and aligned with the mark previously made on the tie rod (1) and tie rod end lock nut (2).

  21. Install the tie rod end (3) to the tie rod (1).
  22. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering knuckle (4).
  23. Install the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining NEW nut (5).
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 25 N·m+ 120 degrees (18 lb ft + 120 degrees).

  25. Repeat steps 14 to 16 on the other side of the vehicle.
  26. Install the engine undertray. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  27. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  28. Remove the safety stands.
  29. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

  30. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  31. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  32. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  33. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

    Notice: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.

  35. Fill power steering fluid reservoir with fluid to the MAX level mark on the reservoir.
  36. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
  37. Check for power steering fluid leaks.
  38. Install the engine dress cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
  39. Install the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement.
  40. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  41. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.

  42. Object Number: 1957046  Size: SH
  43. Tighten the tie rod end lock nut (1).
  44. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Steering Gear Replacement 6.0L Engine RHD

Tools Required

6297 Ball Joint Release Too.l

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Remove the engine dress cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
  2. Remove the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement.

  3. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  4. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  5. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  7. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  8. Object Number: 1957100  Size: SH

    Important: Mark the tie rod end (3) and tie rod end lock nut (2) in relation to the tie rod (1).

  9. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut (2) half a turn.
  10. Important: Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  11. Remove the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut (4).
  12. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1957102  Size: SH

    Important: Once a load is applied by the ball joint release tool loading bolt, a quick tap on the nut end of the tool will reduce the separating force required.

  13. Separate the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (2) using the 6297 (1).
  14. Remove the 6297 (1).
  15. Disconnect the tie rod end (3) from the steering knuckle (1).
  16. Important: Note the number of turns required to remove.

  17. Remove the tie rod end (3) from the tie rod (4).
  18. Repeat steps 6 to 11 on the other side of the vehicle.
  19. Remove the engine undertray. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.

  20. Object Number: 1957815  Size: SH

    Important: Observing the orientation of the intermediate steering shaft (1) with reference to the pinion shaft (3) will minimise the potential of incorrect steering column assembly alignment.

  21. Mark the intermediate steering shaft (1) in relation to the pinion shaft (3).
  22. Remove the intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft retaining bolt (2).
  23. Important: Bolts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  24. Disconnect the intermediate shaft (2) from the pinion shaft (3).
  25. Discard the bolt.

  26. Lower the vehicle.

  27. Object Number: 1957040  Size: SH

    Important: Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  28. Remove the driver side front castor arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).
  29. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1957043  Size: SH

    Important: Once a load is applied by the release tool loading bolt, a quick tap on the nut end of the tool will reduce the separating force required.

  30. Separate the driver side front castor arm (3) from the steering knuckle (1) using the 6297 (2).
  31. Disconnect the driver side front castor arm (3) from the steering knuckle (1).
  32. Place a large suitable container under the vehicle in order to collect draining fluid.

  33. Object Number: 1957052  Size: SH

    Important: The power steering inlet pipe/hose (5) must be plugged to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.

    Important: The copper sealing washers (1) must be discarded after removal.

  34. Remove the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (2) and copper sealing washers (1).
  35. Plug the steering gear inlet pipe/hose (5).

    Discard the washers.

    Important: The power steering outlet pipe/hose (6) must be plugged to prevent the entry of foreign particles into the power steering system.

    Important: The copper sealing washers (4) must be discarded after removal.

  36. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3) and copper sealing washers (4).
  37. Plug the steering gear outlet pipe/hose (6).

    Discard the washers.


    Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH
  38. Remove the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  39. Remove the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) from the steering gear insulator (3).
  40. Remove the steering gear insulator (3) from the steering gear.
  41. Important: The steering gear must be removed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  42. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1943686  Size: SH

    Important: The steering gear must be installed from the driver side of the vehicle.

  1. Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
  2. Install the steering gear insulator (3) to the steering gear.
  3. Install the steering gear insulator retaining bracket (2) to the steering gear insulator (3).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the steering gear to subframe retaining bolts (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the Bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957052  Size: SH
  7. Remove the plug from the steering gear inlet pipe/hose (5).
  8. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (1) and NEW copper sealing washers (2).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  10. Remove the plug from the steering gear outlet pipe/hose (6).
  11. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose to power steering gear retaining banjo bolt (3) and NEW copper sealing washers (4).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the banjo bolt to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

  13. Remove the container from under the vehicle.

  14. Object Number: 1957047  Size: SH
  15. Install the driver side front control arm (2) to the steering knuckle (1).
  16. Install the driver side front castor arm ball joint to steering knuckle NEW retaining nut (3).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten nut to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957815  Size: SH

    Important: The intermediate steering shaft and pinion shaft splines must be installed in the position recorded during removal and aligned with the marks previously made.

  18. Connect the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the pinion shaft (3).
  19. Install the intermediate steering shaft to pinion shaft NEW retaining bolt (2).
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1957101  Size: SH

    Important: The tie rod end (3) must be installed rotating the same number of turns as recorded during removal and aligned with the mark previously made on the tie rod (1) and tie rod end lock nut (2).

  21. Install the tie rod end (3) to the tie rod (1).
  22. Connect the tie rod end (3) to the steering knuckle (4).
  23. Install the tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining NEW nut (5).
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 25 N·m+ 120 degrees (18 lb ft + 120 degrees).

  25. Repeat steps 14 to 16 on the other side of the vehicle.
  26. Install the engine undertray. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  27. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  28. Remove the safety stands.
  29. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

  30. Object Number: 1957166  Size: SH
  31. Install the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  32. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  33. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe/hose bracket to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

    Notice: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.

  35. Fill power steering fluid reservoir with fluid to the MAX level mark on the reservoir.
  36. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
  37. Check for power steering fluid leaks.
  38. Install the engine dress cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
  39. Install the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement3.
  40. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  41. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.

  42. Object Number: 1957046  Size: SH
  43. Tighten the tie rod end lock nut (1).
  44. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).