Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Safari and 2002 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the tire and the wheel.
Remove the pitman arm (3) to connecting rod (4) retaining nut (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Pitman Arm & Connecting Rod
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the pitman arm from the connecting rod.
Remove the stabilizer links. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT (RWD) or STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT (AWD) .
Rotate the stabilizer shaft downward.
Lower the vehicle.
Install the J 42640 into the lower steering column trim cover in order to lock the steering column.

Fig 2: Installing Steering Column Lock Pin

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the lower fan shroud.
Remove the intermediate shaft to power steering gear pinch bolt.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Intermediate Shaft From Power Steering Gear

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
Disconnect the power steering cooler hose from the power steering gear.

Fig 4: Identifying Power Steering Cooler Hose At Power Steering Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the hydraulic brake booster from the power steering gear.

Fig 5: Identifying Hydraulic Brake Booster At Power Steering Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Raise the vehicle.
Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts.

Fig 6: Identifying Power Steering Gear Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Lower the vehicle.
Remove the power steering gear.
Remove the pitman arm from the power steering gear. Refer to PITMAN ARM REPLACEMENT (RWD) or PITMAN ARM REPLACEMENT (AWD) .