Disassembly 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.

Remove the nut (3).
Remove the lock washer (2).
Clean the exposed end of the pitman shaft.
Clean the steering gear housing (1).
Use a wire brush to clean the pitman shaft splines.

Fig 1: Removing Pitman Shaft Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: The pitman shaft will not clear the housing if it is not centered.
To center the stub shaft:
1. Rotate the stub shaft (1) with a wrench from stop to stop.
2. Count the number of turns.
3. Rotate the stub shaft back 1/2 of the total amount of turns.
Fig 2: Rotating Stub Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: When removing the pitman shaft assembly, the pitman arm and its components may fall from the steering gear housing. Support the pitman arm and its components while removing the pitman shaft assembly.
Remove the pitman shaft cover bolts (1) from the pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).
Remove the lash adjuster nut (2) from the pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).
Remove the pitman shaft and cover assembly (3).
Remove the pitman shaft cover O-ring (4) from the steering gear housing assembly.

Fig 3: Removing Pitman Shaft And Cover Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.