FixVault

Removal Procedure

NOTE: Do not rotate steering shaft after steering column has been removed. Damage to SIR components may occur.
    Fig 1: Identifying J 42640
    GM333146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column lower trim cover using J 42640  . See Special Tools .
  2. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls 4.3L.
  3. Fig 2: View Of Intermediate Shaft Shield
    GM288800Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Remove the intermediate shaft shield from the steering gear.
  5. Fig 3: View Of Power Steering Pressure Hose At Power Steering Gear
    GM395770Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Place a drain pan below the steering gear.
  7. Disconnect the wiring harness clip from the power steering return hose at the power steering gear.
  8. Remove the pressure and the return hoses from the power steering gear.

    Cap or tape the ends of the hoses and the gear fittings in order to prevent dirt from entering the system.

  9. Fig 4: Locating Lower Intermediate Shaft Coupling Bolt
    GM692Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt.
  11. Draw alignment marks on the lower intermediate shaft coupling and the steering shaft.
  12. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling from the steering shaft.
  13. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  14. Remove the steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  15. Fig 5: View Of Differential Carrier Shield
    GM141840Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  16. Remove differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
  17. Remove the differential carrier shield.
  18. Fig 6: View Of Pitman Arm Ball Stud Cotter Pin & Nut At Relay Rod
    GM291254Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Remove the pitman arm ball stud cotter pin and nut at the relay rod.
  20. Fig 7: Disconnecting Pitman Arm From Relay Rod
    GM397366Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Disconnect pitman arm from relay rod using J 24319-B  . See Special Tools .
  22. Fig 8: Locating Steering Gear Mounting Bolts & Washers
    GM288824Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  23. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts and the washers from the frame.
  24. Remove the steering gear.
  25. Remove the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement (RWD) or Pitman Arm Replacement (4WD) in Steering Linkage.