Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 GMC Yukon XL, 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2012 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 (HP2) , Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Rack and Pinion) .
- Remove the pitman arm nut (1).
- Remove the pitman arm washer (2).
- Mark the pitman arm position to the steering gear housing for installation aid.
- Remove the pitman arm (3).
- Clean off the steering gear housing (4).
- To center the steering gear stub shaft:
- Rotate the steering gear stub shaft (1) with a wrench from stop to stop.
- Count the number of turns.
- Rotate the steering gear stub shaft back 1/2 of the total amount of turns.
- Remove the pitman shaft dust seal.
- Remove the steering gear pitman shaft housing cover bolts (1).
- Remove the steering gear pitman shaft and housing cover (3). Ensure the steering gear pitman shaft O-ring (4) is removed. If the O-ring is not present, remove the O-ring from the housing.
- Remove the pitman shaft seal and discard. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Seal and Bearing Replacement - Off Vehicle .
NOTE:
The steering gear pitman shaft will not clear the housing if it is not centered.