LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Buick >> 2004 >> Century Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering System >> Repair Instructions >> Power Steering Gear Replacement >> Installation Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Installation Procedure

    Fig 1: View Of Power Steering Gear
    GM454257Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
    2. Fig 2: View Of Rear Of Frame
    GM282087Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  2. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1, 4).

    Tighten:  Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 90 N.m (66 lb ft).

  3. Inspect the threads on the power steering pressure hose and the power steering return hose.
  4. Inspect the O-ring seals on the power steering hoses.
  5. Replace the seals if damaged, lubricate the seals before installation.
  6. Install the clamp that holds the power steering hoses to the power steering gear.
  7. Install the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector to the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
  8. Install the power steering pressure hose to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.1L)  or Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.8L) .
  9. Install the power steering return hose to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.1L)  or Power Steering Return Hose Replacement (3.8L) .
  10. Raise the frame into position (3).
  11. Install rear frame bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  12. Remove the jackstands.
  13. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
    14. Fig 3: View Of Intermediate Steering Shaft To Power Steering Gear Stub Shaft
    GM294371Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    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.
    IMPORTANT: During the installation of the intermediate steering shaft, ensure the steering shaft is seated before you install the pinch bolt. The two mating shafts may disengage if the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before the steering shaft installation.
  14. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  15. Install the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
    16. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  16. Install the lower pinch bolt to the intermediate steering shaft at the power steering gear stub shaft.

    Tighten:  Tighten the pinch bolt to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).

    17. Fig 4: View Of Intermediate Steering Shaft Seal To Power Steering Gear
    GM294376Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Install the intermediate steering shaft seal onto the power steering gear.
  18. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Remove the J 42640  from the steering column.
  22. Fill the power steering system with power steering fluid. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .
  23. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System .
  24. Inspect the power steering system for leaks. Refer to Power Steering Fluid Leaks .
  25. Preform a front end alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals