Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Sierra, 2009 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2009 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (HP2) , Steering Gear Replacement (Recirculating Ball Without LMM) , Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Rack and Pinion) or Steering Gear Replacement (LMM) .

Fig 1: View Of Steering Gear Housing, Lock Washer & Nut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

Fig 2: Centering Stub Shaft (670 Gear)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: The steering gear pitman shaft will not clear the housing if it is not centered.

To center the steering gear stub shaft:
1. Rotate the steering gear stub shaft (1) with a wrench from stop to stop.
2. Count the number of turns.
3. Rotate the steering gear stub shaft back 1/2 of the total amount of turns.

Fig 3: View Of Pitman Shaft/Cover Assembly, Bolts, Adjuster Nut & O-Ring (670 Gear)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: When removing the steering gear pitman shaft, the pitman arm and its components may fall from the steering gear housing. Support the pitman arm and its components while removing the steering gear pitman shaft.

Remove the steering gear pitman shaft housing cover bolts (1).
Remove the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster nut (2).
Remove the steering gear pitman shaft housing cover (3).
Remove the steering gear pitman shaft housing cover O-ring (4).