GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    •  J 6627-A Tie Rod / Wheel Stud Remover
    • J 42089 Linkage Installer
    • J 42400 Relay Rod Removal Tool

    Object Number: 156118  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the relay rod to pitman arm ball stud nut.
  3. Use the J 42400 to remove the relay from the pitman arm.
  4. Notice: Do not attempt to disconnect a steering linkage joint by driving a wedge between the joint and the attached part. Seal damage may result which will cause premature failure of the joint.

  5. Mark the alignment of the pitman arm in relation to the splines on the steering gear.
  6. Remove the pitman arm nut.
  7. Remove the pitman arm washer.
  8. Note the rubber steering gear shaft protector.

  9. Object Number: 143154  Size: SH
  10. Use the universal pitman arm puller to remove the pitman arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Ensure the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
  2. Ensure the rubber steering gear shaft protector is in place.
  3. Align the pitman arm with the marks previously scribed during the removal procedure on the steering gear

  4. Object Number: 156118  Size: SH
  5. Install the pitman arm to the pitman arm shaft. To assist in proper installation the pitman arm and the steering gear are blind-splined.
  6. Install a new pitman arm washer.
  7. Install a new pitman arm nut.
  8. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Tighten
    Tighten the pitman arm nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).

  9. Install the relay rod to the pitman arm.
  10. Install the J 42089 to the relay rod ball stud.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  12. Remove the J 42089 from the relay rod ball stud.
  13. Install the relay rod to pitman arm ball stud nut.
  14. Important: Use a new self-locking tie rod ball stud nut.

    Tighten
    Tighten the relay rod-to-pitman arm ball stud nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Adjust the toe to the proper specification if the steering wheel is not straight. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.