Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Do not rotate steering shaft after steering column has been removed. Damage to SIR components may occur.

Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column lower trim cover using the J 42640 .
Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to AIR CLEANER OUTLET RESONATOR REPLACEMENT in Engine Controls 2.2L or AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT Engine Controls 4.3L.

Fig 1: Locking Steering Column Using Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the intermediate shaft shield from the steering gear.

Fig 2: Removing Intermediate Shaft Shield From Steering Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Place a drain pan below the steering gear.
Remove the pressure and the return hoses from the power steering gear.
Cap or tape the ends of the hoses and the gear fittings in order to prevent dirt from entering the system.

Fig 3: Removing Pressure & Return Hoses From Power Steering Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt.
Draw alignment marks on the lower intermediate shaft coupling and the steering shaft.
Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling from the steering shaft.
Remove the pitman arm. Refer to PITMAN ARM REPLACEMENT (RWD) or PITMAN ARM REPLACEMENT (4WD) in Steering Linkage.

Fig 4: Lower Intermediate Shaft Coupling Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering gear mounting bolts and the washers from the frame.
Remove the steering gear.

Fig 5: Removing Steering Gear Mounting Bolts & Washers From Frame

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.