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Home › Pontiac › 2001 › Aztek Base, AWD › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 1567 (Power Steering System) › Repair Instructions › Power Steering Gear Replacement › Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    NOTE: Secure the steering wheel utilizing 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
    • The steering gear

    After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
  1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight forward position, support it from movement.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  3. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
    4. Fig 1: Outer Tie Rod To Steering Knuckle Nut
    GM1829556Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Remove both outer tie rod to steering knuckle nuts. Discard the nuts.
    5. NOTE: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.
    IMPORTANT: Hold the ball stud to prevent turning during removal of the nut.
  5. Using the SA91100C  , separate the tie rods from the steering knuckles.
    6. Fig 2: View Of Intermediate Shaft To Steering Gear Pinch Bolt
    GM1829617Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: Secure the steering wheel in the straight forward position before separating the intermediate shaft from the steering gear, or damage to the SIR coil will occur.
  6. Remove the intermediate to steering gear pinch bolt and disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
    7. Fig 3: Stabilizer Link To Stabilizer Shaft Nut
    GM1829576Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Remove the stabilizer link to stabilizer shaft nuts and disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer shaft.
    8. Fig 4: Shift Cable Clip & Steering Gear
    GM927988Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. On CVT equipped vehicles, remove the shift cable clip from the steering gear.
  9. Remove the steering gear to cradle mounting bolts and nuts.
  10. Rotate the stabilizer shaft to provide clearance for the gear to be removed.
    11. IMPORTANT: The power steering gear will need to be rotated while it is removed through the LH wheel opening.
  11. Remove the power steering gear through the LH wheel opening.
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