Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 GMC Yukon XL, 2011 GMC Yukon, 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Fig 1: Cleaning Exposed End Of Pitman Shaft (670 Gear)

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: Pitman Shaft And Cover Assembly (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).