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Home >> Buick >> 2002 >> Century Custom >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering System >> Repair Instructions >> Power Steering Gear Replacement >> Removal Procedure
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Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
    CAUTION: 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.
    NOTE: Set steering shaft so the block tooth on the upper steering shaft is at the 12 o'clock position, the wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead and set the ignition switch to the LOCK position. Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the coil.
  4. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT in STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN .
  5. Remove both of the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer .
    Fig 1: Power Rack And Pinion Assembly
    G01720138Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Support the rear of the frame (3) using jackstands.
  7. Remove the frame bolts from the rear of the frame.
    NOTE: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.
  8. Lower the rear of the frame (3).
    Fig 2: Frame Assembly
    G01720139Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the power steering pressure hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Hose Replacement (3.1L)  or Power Steering Pressure Hose Replacement (3.8L)  .
  10. Remove the power steering return hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.1L)  or Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.8L)  .
  11. Remove the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector from the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
  12. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1,4).
  13. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
Fig 3: Power Steering Gear
G01720140Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.