Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion)

Fig 1: Power Steering Gear Components (Rack and Pinion)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Callout	Component Name
CAUTION: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The intermediate shaft(s) The steering gear After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil. Preliminary Procedures Remove the front tire/wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement .
1	Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint. CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 60 N.m (44 lb ft)
2	Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod (Qty: 2) Procedure: Use puller J 24319-B to separate the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. See Special Tools . Special Tools: J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller. See Special Tools .
3	Power Steering Gear Inlet Hose Retaining Plate Bolt Procedure Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible. Place drain pans under the vehicle as needed. Tighten: 12 N.m (106 lb in)
4	Power Steering Gear Inlet/Outlet Hose (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Caution . Procedure: Pull the power steering gear inlet/outlet hoses out of the steering gear. Tip: Keep the area around the power steering gear inlet/outlet hoses and the steering gear openings clean.
5	Left Side Steering Gear Bolt (Qty: 2) Tighten: 200 N.m (148 lb ft)
6	Right Side Steering Gear Bolt (Qty: 2) Tighten: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)
7	Steering Gear Procedure Use remover/installer J 44586 to replace the steering gear seals if needed. See Special Tools . Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding . Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment . Special Tools: J 44586 Power Steering Gear Oil Seal Remover/Installer. See Special Tools .