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Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Refer to Steering Wheel Straight and Column Locked in CAUTIONS AND NOTICES .
  1. Lock the steering column by installing the J 42640  into the underside of the steering column.
    Fig 1: Locking Steering Column
    G01581766Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle.
  3. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove the power steering gear heat shield Power Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
    WARNING: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.
    CAUTION: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.
  5. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
  6. Separate the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
    Fig 2: Removing Intermediate Shaft Lower Pinch Bolt
    G01581767Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts.
  8. Using J 24319-B  separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.
    Fig 3: Separating Outer Tie Rod From Steering Knuckle
    G01581768Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the power steering pressure hose (2) from the power steering gear.
  10. Remove the power steering return hose (1) from the power steering gear.
    Fig 4: Removing Power Steering Pressure Hose From Power Steering Gear
    G01581769Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. If equipped, disconnect the variable effort steering electrical connector.
  12. Remove the left stabilizer shaft insulator. Refer to STABILIZER BAR in Front Suspension.
    Fig 5: Disconnecting Variable Effort Steering Electrical Connector
    G01581770Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts.
  14. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
  15. Transfer the outer tie rods if replacing the power steering gear.
    Fig 6: Removing Power Steering Gear Mounting Bolts
    G01581771Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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