Steering Gear Replacement

Steering Gear Replacement (L96)

Special Tools
* CH-49824 - Steering Linkage Separator
* J-24319-B - Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
* J-24420-C - Crankshaft Balancer Puller
* J-42640 - Steering Column Anti-rotation Pin

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

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.

1. With the front wheels of the vehicle in the straight ahead position, use the J-42640 - pin in order to lock the steering column.
2. Place drain pans under the vehicle.
3. Remove as much power steering fluid from the reservoir as possible.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.
5. Remove the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement .
6. Remove the left front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (GMC) Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (Chevrolet) .
7. Remove the front stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (1500) Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (2500, 3500) .

Caution: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Caution Service Precautions.

8. Disconnect the steering hoses from the steering gear.
9. Disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement.




10. Remove the pitman arm nut (1).
Discard the pitman arm nut.
11. Remove the steering linkage relay rod bushing, if equipped.




12. If the vehicle is equipped with a crew cab with single rear wheels (SRW) or any body style with dual rear wheels, use the J-24319-B - puller in order to disconnect the pitman arm from the relay rod.
If the vehicle is NOT equipped with a crew cab with SRW or any body style with dual rear wheels, use the CH-49824 - separator and the J-24420-C - puller in order to disconnect the pitman arm from the relay rod.




13. Remove the steering gear bolts (1).
14. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.




15. If equipped with a spacer (1) on the steering gear (2), save the spacer.
16. Transfer the pitman arm, if necessary. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement Service and Repair.

Installation Procedure

1. If you removed the pitman arm, install the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement Service and Repair.




2. If the old steering gear (2) was equipped with a spacer (1), install the spacer to the new steering gear.
3. Position the steering gear in the vehicle.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

Note: Start all of the steering gear bolts by hand and fully seat the bolts before finalizing the torque.

4. Install the steering gear bolts (1).
5. Tighten the steering gear bolts to 275 Nm (203 lb ft).




6. Connect the pitman arm to the relay rod.
7. Install the steering linkage relay rod bushing, if equipped.
8. Install the NEW pitman arm nut (1) and tighten to 125 Nm (92 lb ft).
9. Connect the power steering hoses to the steering gear. Tighten the hose fittings to 33 Nm (24 lb ft).
10. Connect the steering shaft coupling to the steering gear. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement.
11. Install the front stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (1500) Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (2500, 3500) .
12. Install the left front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (GMC) Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (Chevrolet) .
13. If you removed the engine shield, install the engine shield. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement .
14. Lower the vehicle.




15. Remove the J-42640 - pin from the steering column.
16. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding Service and Repair.
17. Clean any excess fluid from the vehicle.
18. Remove the drain pans.