GM 19330434
Steering Gear

The procedure starts with wheel alignment and a lock engagement on the Steering Column before any work on the Steering Column or intermediate shaft can begin in order to protect the sir coil assembly from misalignment damage. Raising the vehicle and supporting it is your first step before removing stabilizer shafts and tie rod ends from knuckles. The steering intermediate shaft must be disconnected from the Rack And Pinion with aid from a utility stand which will support the frame structure. Caveat: when removing the frame rear bolts raise the frame carefully to prevent engine component damage. Lower the frame together with the powertrain platform on a utility stand before clearing away the Rack And Pinion heat shield and its cooler pipe and pressure hose connections and nut(s) and bolts to remove the gear through the left wheel opening. The process starts by inserting the Rack And Pinion through the left side wheel opening to the frame before installing all bolts and applying 80 nm (59 ft. Lbs.) torque to the right bolt if your vehicle uses all-wheel drive and also confirming proper fastener cleanliness and torque specifications. Otherwise, replace it. The Rack And Pinion nut(s) require a torque application of 80 nm followed by operation of the pressure hose and cooler pipe before adding the heat shield. Lift the frame and powertrain then install the frame rear bolts before taking out the utility stand. Lower the vehicle by reconnecting the intermediate steering shaft to the Rack And Pinion then installing tie rod ends to steering knuckles and the stabilizer shaft. The power steering system needs complete fluid filling and followed by bleeding procedures.

Begin by positioning the Steering Shaft at 12 o'clock so its block tooth faces upward and position the wheels ahead and set the ignition switch to the lock setting before proceeding. The vehicle needs to be raised before being secured for work. First remove the stabilizer shaft followed by detached tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. The next procedure requires steering intermediate shaft removal from the Rack And Pinion before supporting the frame with a utility stand. When discarding the frame rear bolts users should maintain the frame's height to prevent contact with engine components. The powertrain and frame should be lowered through the utility stand while removing both Rack And Pinion cooler pipe and pressure hose attached to the Rack And Pinion. Remove Rack And Pinion bolts and nuts while extracting the Rack And Pinion by entering the vehicle's left side wheel opening. Install the new Rack And Pinion through the left side wheel opening into the frame by tightening Rack And Pinion bolts which should be rust-free with 2 nm (18 inch lbs.) of preset torque to their counterparts before installation completes. If not, replace them. Begin by tightening the Rack And Pinion nuts to 80 nm (59 ft. Lbs.) then attach the pressure hose and cooler pipe while securing the pipe with its retaining clip. First raise the frame and powertrain with the utility stand before putting new frame rear bolts then taking out the utility stand. Proceed with restoring the steering intermediate shaft connection to the Rack And Pinion and afterward reinstall the steering knuckles to their tie rod ends and the stabilizer shaft. The technician follows this order: lower the vehicle then fills the Rack And Pinion system followed by bleeding air from the system while also inspecting for leaks and performing necessary toe adjustments.

Install the power steering gear nuts and bolts, tightening them to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).

Fill the power steering system, bleed air from the system, inspect for leaks, and adjust the toe as necessary.

Reinstall the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles and the stabilizer shaft.

Use a utility stand to support the frame.