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Steering Gear: Service and Repair




Steering Gear Replacement

Special Tools

* J-33432-A - Leaf Spring Compressor

* J-42640 - Steering Column Anti-rotation Pin

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.

Removal Procedure

1. Place drain pans under the vehicle.

2. Remove as much power steering fluid from the reservoir as possible.

3. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.





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.

4. Insert the J-42640 - steering column lock pin (1) into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column in the straight ahead position.

5. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Engine Support Fixture.

6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

7. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

8. Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

9. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement Front Suspension.

10. If equipped, disconnect the power steering pipe hold-downs from the crossmember.

11. Disconnect the power steering cooler bolts and support the power steering cooler. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LS9) .

12. Disconnect the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) bracket from the crossmember. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement.

13. Remove the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to the following procedures:

* Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side

* Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side

14. Disconnect the brake pipe bracket for the left front brake caliper from the crossmember.

15. Disconnect the plastic brake pipe hold-down for the right front brake pipe.

16. Remove the 2 front crossmember mounting nuts.

17. Using hand tools only, LOOSEN, BUT DO NOT REMOVE, the 2 rear crossmember mounting nuts 10 mm (0.394 in).

18. If equipped, disconnect the height sensor arm from the control arm.

19. Use a utility stand in order to support the front of the crossmember.




20. Using the J-33432-A - leaf spring compressor (1), compress the leaf spring in order to allow the crossmember to lower enough to access the steering gear.

21. Disconnect the power steering pressure and return hoses from the steering gear.

22. Remove the lower shock mounting bolts.




23. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts (3) and nuts (2).

24. Maneuver the steering gear (1) around the brake pipes. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.

Installation Procedure





Note: For Z06 and ZR1 applications, replace the crossmember-to-steering gear insulators.

1. Position the steering gear (1) in the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

2. Install the steering gear mounting bolts (3) and nuts (2). Tighten the nuts to 60 Nm (44 lb ft) + 90 degrees.

3. Install the lower shock mounting bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement Shock Absorber Replacement.

4. Install the power steering pressure hose to the steering gear and tighten the fitting to 34 Nm (25 lb ft).

5. Install the power steering return hose to the steering gear and tighten the fitting to 34 Nm (25 lb ft).




6. Raise the crossmember with the utility stand and remove the J-33432-A - leaf spring compressor (1) from the leaf spring.

7. Install all of the crossmember mounting nuts and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).

8. If equipped, connect the height sensor arm to the control arm.

9. Connect the brake pipe bracket for the left front brake caliper.

10. Connect the plastic brake pipe hold-down for the right front brake pipe.

11. Install the brake BPMV bracket. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement.

12. Install the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to the following procedures:

* Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side

* Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side

13. Connect the power steering cooler bolts and support the power steering cooler. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LS9) .

14. If equipped, connect the power steering pipe hold-down to the crossmember.

15. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement Front Suspension.

16. Connect the steering linkage outer tie rods to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

17. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

18. Lower the vehicle.

19. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Engine Support Fixture.




20. Remove the J-42640 - steering column lock pin (1) from the steering column access hole.

21. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.

22. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding Service and Repair.

23. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment.

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