Assembly Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Sierra, 2002 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2002 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Install the O-ring seal (3) and the teflon ring (2).
- Lubricate both parts with power steering fluid.
- Install the worm shaft (14) to the rack piston (4) outside of the steering gear housing (9). Fully seat the worm shaft to the rack piston.
- Align the worm shaft spiral groove with the rack piston ball return guide hole (1).
Important: Improper rack piston ball installation may result in personal injury. The black rack piston balls are smaller than the silver rack piston balls. Install the black and the silver rack piston balls alternately into the rack piston and the ball guide to maintain the rack piston to the worm shaft preload.
- Lubricate the rack piston balls with power steering fluid.
- Insert the rack piston balls through the ball return guide hole (1) while turning worm shaft (2) counterclockwise in order to install the rack piston balls into the rack piston.
- Install the remaining rack piston balls (3) into the ball guide (1) using grease at each end (2) to retain the rack piston balls (3).
- Install the ball guide (3) to the rack piston (2).
- Install the ball guide clamp (4).
- Install the screws (5). Tighten the screws (5) to 58 N.m (43 ft lbs).
- Insert the J 21552 into the bore of the rack piston while turning the worm shaft counterclockwise. The turning of the worm shaft forces the rack piston onto J 21552 . The rack piston balls remain in place.
- Install the flat races (2, 4) and the thrust bearing (3) onto the worm shaft (1).
- Install the worm shaft (4) to the steering gear housing (3).
Important: Do not adjust the worm shaft until all components are installed onto the steering gear housing.
- Install the spool valve. Refer to Steering Gear Valve Replacement - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) .
- Install the rack piston (2) to the worm (4) from J 21552 using J 8947 to compress the seals.
- Hold J 21552 tightly against the worm shaft (4).
- Turn the stub shaft clockwise until the rack piston (2) is seated on the worm shaft (4).
- Remove the J 21552 from the rack piston (1).
- Install the rack piston plug (1). Tighten the rack piston plug to 150 N.m (111 ft lbs).
- Install the housing end plug. Refer to Steering Gear Housing End Plug Replacement - Off Vehicle .
Important: Do not adjust the pitman shaft until all components are installed onto the steering gear housing.
- Install the pitman shaft seals and bearing. Refer to Pitman Shaft Seals & Bearing Replacement - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) Or Pitman Shaft Seals & Bearing Replacement - Off Vehicle (670 Gear) .
- To adjust the steering gear; refer to one of the following procedures: