GM 91175546
Steering Gear

To service and fix the Rack And Pinion, it is important to check that the wheels are straight ahead and the Steering Column is locked to prevent damage on the coil assembly. Pump power steering fluid into the reservoir with a syringe, lift and support the vehicle. Pull off the skid plate, then pull off the left outer Tie Rod nut and apply the universal steering linkage puller (J 24319-B) to pull off the left outer Tie Rod end to knock it from the knuckle. Do this for the right outer Tie Rod as well. Drain pan should be placed underneath the Rack And Pinion, bolt of the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose should be removed with the two gaskets of the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose. Remove the power steering fluid reservoir hose and seal the hoses from leaking fluid. Unscrew the intermediate Steering Shaft clamp bolt, unscrew the lower Steering Shaft from the Rack And Pinion. Paint pinion shaft and Rack And Pinion housing for alignment mark. The four Rack And Pinion mounting nuts must be removed as well as the insulators and brackets while getting the Rack And Pinion out. Loosen the pair of Tie Rod lock nuts in order to take off the outer Tie Rod ends from the inner tie rods. For installation, label lh & rh inner tie rods, install the Tie Rod lock nuts without tightening and connect the outer Tie Rod ends. Lay the mark on match on the pinion shaft and Rack And Pinion housing before tightening the Rack And Pinion with the steadying brackets of two and the four bolts. Lubricate the lower Steering Shaft area with "help self-lub 100" special grease and attach the lower Steering Shaft and tighten the intermediate Steering Shaft clamp bolt to 25 nm (18 ft. Lbs.), and then steer the Rack And Pinion mounting bolts 55 nm (40 ft. Lbs.). Retighten the power steering hoses connecting, ensuring that the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose bolt is tightened to 35 nm (25.5 ft. Lbs.). Perform the following: reinstall the skid plate, refill the reservoir with dexron(R) - 111 automatic transmission fluid, g.m. P/n 12346143, or equivalent, before bleeding the power-steering system. Finally, activate the sir system and check the front toe (make sure to adjust it if required) and make sure to tighten the Tie Rod lock nut to 65 nm (47 ft. Lbs.).

Place a drain pan under the steering gear and remove the power steering gear inlet hose fitting and the inlet hose, along with any gaskets.

Loosen the two tie rod lock nuts and remove the outer tie rod ends from the inner tie rods.

Use the Tie Rod Puller (J 6627-A).