FixVault
Home › Chevrolet › 2021 › Traverse L › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 71 (Power Steering System) › Repair Instructions › Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement (AWD) › Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Cadillac CT4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. GM5354971Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    Only use General Motors approved room temperature vulcanizing sealant (RTV). Failure to use GM approved products may result in insufficient motor to gear sealing, allowing water intrusion which may lead to rack and pinion steering gear failure and require replacement of the rack and pinion steering gear.

    CAUTION:

    Do not over apply room temperature vulcanizing sealant (RTV). Excessive RTV increases the chance of the RTV to come in contact with the belt or gear causing rack and pinion steering gear failure, requiring replacement of the rack and pinion steering gear.

    NOTE:

    RTV cure time is 20 minutes and the following steps must be done within that time frame. Failure to complete within the 20 minute time frame will cause improper sealing of the motor to the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear sealing surface and steps 1 - 13 must be repeated.

    Apply a 2.5 mm (0.10 inch) continuous bead of RTV to the motor assembly and follow the outline of the motor valley (1). Do NOT apply into the motor valley. RTV should be applied only to the outer edge of the motor valley outline. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers 

  2. GM5359234Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Orient the power steering assist motor (1) to the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear as noted during the removal process.

  3. Install the power steering assist motor (1) to the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear housing, ensure that the belt slips onto the motor gear easily.
  4. GM5651741Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

    Install by hand 3 NEW power steering assist motor bolts (1).

    5. CAUTION:

    Refer to Fastener Caution .

  5. Pre-tighten the 3 power steering assist motor bolts (1) in sequence to the first pass specification. Do NOT overtighten. Fastener Specifications 
  6. GM5359253Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    When adjusting tension to the steering gear belt, apply light pressure as close to the power steering assist motor mating surface as possible. Do NOT apply pressure to the middle or end of the power steering assist motor, doing so can result in damage to the motor assembly.

    Using an appropriate sized flat bladed tool, apply light pressure upwards on the power assist motor (3) while rotating the steering gear input shaft (1) with an appropriate sized open end wrench (2). Verify smooth rotation and that the steering gear belt is correctly seated within the gears.

  7. GM5356165Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    NOTE:

    During the next steps, keep garage noise away from work area at least 20 feet to avoid microphone interference. If the tool registers a frequency without strumming the belt, move to a quieter place.

    Place the frequency microphone (2) in the smaller cover hole and place the body of the GE-50576-A  Acoustic Belt Tension Tester (1) on a flat surface or secure it to the steering gear housing and position the microphone (2) of the tester 6 mm (0.25 in) from the steering gear belt. Do NOT allow the microphone (2) to touch the belt or an inaccurate reading will occur. It is acceptable to allow the sides of the microphone (2) to touch the aluminum housing.

  8. GM5355209Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Adjust the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt until an average frequency reading between 340 - 420 Hz is achieved.

    • Do NOT apply pressure on or near the plastic electronic control unit (ECU) (2).
    • Use a flat bladed tool (3) to apply pressure upwards to the power steering assist motor (1) which will tighten the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt increasing the frequency reading.
    • Releasing the applied pressure on the power steering assist motor (1) will loosen the tension on the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt decreasing the frequency reading.
    • If the GE-50576-A  Acoustic Belt Tension Tester does NOT register a reading, lessen the applied pressure as the frequency is too high for a reading.
    • It is advisable to apply pressure to a lower frequency around 300 to 320 Hz before tightening the motor fasteners.
  9. GM5355139Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Using a small allen wrench (1), pluck the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt (2) three times to get an average belt tension measurement.

    • Ensure you grab the edge of the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt.
    • The electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear belt (2) will make a small ping noise when strummed correctly.
  10. GM5480253Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Once a frequency reading between 340 - 420 Hz is achieved, tighten the 3 power steering assist motor bolts (1) in sequence to the second pass specification. Do NOT overtighten. Fastener Specifications 

  11. GM5346454Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Use an appropriate sized open end wrench (2) to rotate the steering gear input shaft (1) and verify smooth rotation. Ensure the belt is still seated within the gears.

  12. Repeat steps 9 - 11 verifying the frequency reading is still between 340 - 420 Hz.
  13. GM5480253Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Once the correct frequency is verified, tighten the 3 power steering assist motor bolts (1) in sequence to:

    1. Third Pass: Fastener Specifications 
    2. Final Pass: Fastener Specifications 
  14. Verify the frequency reading is still within specifications.
  15. GM5358541Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Install NEW small (1) and large (2) steering gear housing covers:

    1. Using an appropriately sized tool matching the diameter of the cover being installed, gently tap the cover into position within the steering gear assembly.
    2. Carefully tap the edge of the covers into position ensuring they are fully seated on the internal shoulder.
  16. GM5354803Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Remove the tape from the electrical connector (1) that was applied during removal.

  17. Connect the electrical connector (1) to the power steering assist motor until the lock engages fully.
  18. Pull back lightly on the electrical connector (1) to ensure the lock is engaged.
  19. GM5354800Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Engage the connector position assurance (CPA) (1).

  20. GM5480146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear (3) - Install

  21. Steering Gear Bolt (2) - Install NEW [2x]
  22. Steering Gear Nut (1) - Install and hand tighten [2x]
  23. Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle - Install - Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal and Installation (AWD)Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal and Installation (RWD)
  24. GM5387195Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Steering Gear Bolt (1) - Tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications 

  25. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
  26. Lower the vehicle.
  27. Measure and adjust the front toe. Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment
  28. Program the power steering control module. K43 Power Steering Control Module: Programming and Setup
  29. Raise the vehicle until the wheels are off the ground. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
  30. Start engine and verify no diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) are present. If DTC are present, correct the issue before proceeding. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle
  31. Perform the following so the vehicle software relearns the steering center position:
    1. Raise the front wheels off the ground.
    2. Start the vehicle.
    3. Rotate steering wheel to the left lock position and hold tightly for 4 seconds.
    4. Rotate steering wheel to the right lock position and hold tightly for 4 seconds.
    5. Repeat steps 31.3 and 31.4.
    6. Lower the vehicle.
  32. In an area of adequate size and free of heavy traffic or pedestrians, drive the vehicle 16 - 24 km/h (10 - 15 miles MPH) turning the steering wheel right and left from the lock to lock positions.
  33. Ensure the steering wheel turns easily and smoothly without binding or noises.
About FixVault