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Home › Pontiac › 2007 › Vibe Automatic › Repair and Diagnosis › Steering › Power Steering System › Repair Instructions › Power Steering Gear Replacement › Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

    NOTE: The steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the following components:
    • The steering column
    • The steering shaft coupling
    • The intermediate shaft
    • The lower steering shaft

    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. LOCK the steering column and verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
  2. Move the silencer pad away from the steering column.
    3. Fig 1: Steering Shaft Coupling, Intermediate Shaft And Coupling Bolt (FWD)
    GM820173Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Use paint in order to place match marks on the steering shaft coupling (3) and on the intermediate shaft (4).
  4. Loosen the upper coupling bolt (7).
  5. Remove the lower coupling bolt (6).
    6. Fig 2: Crossmember Components (FWD)
    GM820261Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Remove the steering column hole cover (4) from the bulkhead.
  7. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
  8. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  9. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  10. Remove the left engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side .
  11. Remove the right engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side .
  12. Remove the 2 outer tie rod ends (10, 15). Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  13. Place a drain pan under the vehicle in order to collect the fluid from the power steering system.
    14. NOTE: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Notice .
  14. Remove the pressure and return pipes (2, 3) from the steering gear.
  15. Remove the bolt and the pipe bracket from the steering gear.
  16. Remove the following components together as a unit. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement (AWD) or Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement (FWD) .
    • The steering gear
    • The intermediate steering shaft
    • The front suspension crossmember
    • The trans support
    • The 2 control arms
    • The front stabilizer shaft
  17. Remove the bolt and the rear engine mount insulator from the crossmember.
  18. Remove the 3 bolts and the rear engine mount bracket from the crossmember.
    19. Fig 3: Intermediate Shaft, Steering Gear, Bolt And Crossmember (FWD)
    GM820294Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Use paint in order to place match marks on the intermediate shaft (3) and on the steering gear (2).
  20. Remove the bolt (5).
  21. Remove the intermediate shaft (4).
  22. Remove the 4 bolts and the steering gear from the crossmember.
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