OEM 2008 Cadillac STS Rack And Pinion

2008 Cadillac STS Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to Replace the Front Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on 2008 Cadillac STS?

  A: The replacement process starts with installation of the Steering Column anti-rotation pin (J 42640) into the Steering Column. Start by lifting and supporting the vehicle before removing both front tires and wheels. Proceed by uninstalling the front air deflector. Before either separating the Steering Column from the intermediate shaft or disconnecting the Steering Column ensure wheels remain straight ahead with the Steering Column in lock position to avoid damage. To begin the disassembly process remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt then disconnect the intermediate shaft from the Rack And Pinion before disconnecting the variable effort steering harness connector. Place the steering linkage and tie rod puller (J 24319-B) on the steering knuckles to separate the outer tie rod by removing its retaining nuts. A drain pan goes under the vehicle before technicians remove Rack And Pinion retaining bolts and disconnect power steering hoses from the Rack And Pinion. Engine-driven vehicles with the 4.6l (LH2) need left Brake Line separation from the brake hose then you must immediately plug this line before moving it out of the way. Support the front differential housing bottom with an appropriate jack to lift the steering rack bolt clearance then loosen the right engine mount nut. First remove Rack And Pinion mounting bolts then remove left rearward lower Control Arm to frame mounting nut and bolt if you have the 4.6l (LH2) engine. Insert the Rack And Pinion through the left wheel opening. The installation process starts by putting the Rack And Pinion through the left wheel opening then reinstalling the left rearward lower Control Arm frame mounting bolt and finally tightening Rack And Pinion retaining bolts to 180 n.m (134 lb ft). The differential housing requires lowering to tighten the right lower engine mount frame nut to 80 n.m (59 lb ft) when using awd. After removing the differential housing support at the bottom position install the left Brake Line onto the brake hose then secure it with 27 n.m (20 lb in) torque while putting the power steering hoses onto the Rack And Pinion and installing the retaining bolt which must be tightened at 23 n.m (17 lb.ft). Place the drain pan aside while you install the outer tie rods to the knuckles then torque them to 70 n.m (52 lb ft). After that, attach the variable effort steering harness connector and link the Rack And Pinion to the intermediate shaft. The procedure begins with intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt installation followed by a torque setting of 50 n.m (37 lb ft). Tires and wheels are installed next followed by vehicle lowering and removal of the Steering Column anti-rotation pin (J 42640). Bleeding of the power steering system follows next along with front toe adjustment.