Removal Procedure

CAUTION: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

The steering column
The intermediate shaft(s)
The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Place drain pans under the vehicle.

CAUTION: Do not start the vehicle with any power steering gear inlet or outlet hoses disconnected. When disconnected, plug or cap all openings of components. Failure to do so could result in contamination or loss of power steering fluid and damage to the system.

NOTE: Introducing too much air into the power steering system will increase the amount of time required to bleed the system. Maintain the fluid level during this procedure.

Disconnect the power steering gear inlet hose from the steering gear. Plug the steering gear inlet port. Cap the power steering gear inlet hose. Refer to Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement .
Disconnect the power steering gear outlet hose from the steering gear. Plug the steering gear outlet port. Cap the power steering gear outlet hose. Refer to Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement .
Disconnect the 2 outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear pinion shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
On the driver's side, disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connector.
On the driver's side, disconnect the front lower control front arm from the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement .
On the driver's side, push the front suspension toward the rear of the vehicle.

Fig 1: Steering Gear Bolt Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the 4 bolts (1, 2, 3, 4) from the steering gear.
On the driver's side, remove the steering gear from the vehicle through the front wheel house.