Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When lifting the vehicle do not allow the jack to touch the rear steering gear. If the jack touches the rear steering gear you may damage the gear or the rack and pinion boots. If the boots are damaged replace the rack and pinion boot.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the drain plug (2) and drain the fluid from the differential housing.
Remove the bolts (3) retaining the steering gear protection shield.

Fig 1: Removing Drain Plug & Bolts Retaining Steering Gear Protection Shield
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the electrical connectors from the control module (2).

Fig 2: Disconnecting Electrical Connectors From Control Module
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the electrical connector (1) from the rear position sensor.
Remove the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. Refer to REAR WHEEL STEERING TIE ROD END REPLACEMENT - Outer .

Fig 3: Disconnecting Electrical Connector From Rear Position Sensor
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the differential vent hose (1) from the vent tube (2).

Fig 4: Disconnecting Differential Vent Hose From Vent Tube
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolts retaining the steering gear actuator and cover (2) to the differential (1).
Remove the steering gear actuator and cover from the vehicle.

Fig 5: Removing Bolts Retaining Steering Gear Actuator & Cover
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.