Power Steering System Moan/Squawk Noise (Replace Power Steering Gear and Pressure Hose Assembly)

Some owners may comment on an audible moan/squawk type noise that is noted during low speed turning maneuvers.

This condition may be caused by the power steering gear valve instability resulting in a pressure disturbance that creates an audible noise which is transferred through the vehicle structure.

Following the procedure below, replace the existing components with new power steering gear, P/N 26098491, and power steering pressure hose, P/N 25739393. In addition to these components, a new bolt, P/N 10082184, will be required to secure the clamp which is part of the new hose assembly, to the frame.

1. Install the Steering Column Lock Pin J 42640.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
3. Remove the front wheel and tire assemblies.
4. Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft at the power steering gear.
5. Support the rear of the frame assembly.
6. Remove the four rear frame mounting bolts.
7. Remove the 2 bolts and nut securing the transaxle mount to the frame assembly.
8. Remove the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle nuts.
9. Disconnect the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using the Universal Linkage Puller J 24319-B.
10. Disconnect the front stabilizer shaft end links and rotate the shaft upward to provide access to the heat shield/steering gear fasteners.
11. Lower the rear of the frame assembly approximately 50 mm (2  in).
12. Remove the heat shield attaching bolts. Disconnect the wiring harness clip from the shield and remove the shield.
13. Disconnect the steering gear wiring harness.
14. Disconnect the power steering pressure and return hoses at the steering gear.
15. Remove the steering gear to frame attaching bolts and remove the steering gear.
16. Remove and discard the existing power steering pressure hose clip from the frame.
17. Disconnect the power steering pressure hose from the power steering pump. Remove the hose and discard.
18. Install the new power steering pressure hose, P/N 25739393, and hand start the fitting at the pump.
19. Transfer the outer tie rod ends from the removed steering gear to the new gear, P/N 26098491.
20. Install the new steering gear.

Tighten
Tighten the gear to frame attaching bolts to 65  N·m (48 lb ft).

21. Hand start the power steering pressure and return hose fittings at the steering gear.
22. Secure the clip of the new power steering pressure hose to the frame with the new screw, P/N 10082184, using the hole in frame where the previously removed clip was attached.

Tighten

•	With the clip positioned fore-aft, tighten the screw to 7 N·m (60 lb in).

•	Tighten the power steering pressure and return hose fittings to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

23. Connect the power steering wiring harness connector.
24. Position the heat shield and install the wiring harness clip to the shield.

Tighten
Install the heat shield fasteners and tighten to 9 N·m (80  lb in).

25. Raise the frame into position and hand start the frame mounting bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 191 N·m (141 lb ft).

26. Install the outer tie rod ball joints to the steering knuckles.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

27. Install the transaxle mount bolts and the nut.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts and nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

28. Rotate the stabilizer shaft into position. Install the stabilizer shaft links.

Tighten
Tighten to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

29. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear.

Tighten
Tighten pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

30. Install the wheel and tire assemblies.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 140 N·m (100 lb ft).

31. Lower the vehicle and remove the Steering Column Lock Pin J 42640.
32. Bleed the power steering system following the applicable Service Manual procedure.
33. Inspect the power steering system for leaks.
34. Check and adjust the front toe following the applicable Service Manual procedure.

Parts are expected to be available from GMSPO on 8/13/01.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: