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Home >> Buick >> 2004 >> Century Base >> 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. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
    3. Fig 1: View Of Steering Rack Assembly
    GM454261Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
    4. Fig 2: View Of Intermediate Steering Shaft To Power Steering Gear Stub Shaft
    GM294371Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    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.
    NOTE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.
  4. Remove the lower pinch bolt from the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
    5. Fig 3: Identifying J 42640
    GM333146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Insert J 42640  into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
  6. Remove the intermediate steering shaft (1) from the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
  7. Remove both of the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
    8. Fig 4: View Of Rear Of Frame
    GM282087Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Support the rear of the frame (3) using jackstands.
  9. Remove the frame bolts from the rear of the frame. Refer to Frame Replacement .
    10. NOTE: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.
  10. Lower the rear of the frame (3).
  11. Remove the power steering pressure hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.1L)  or Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.8L) .
  12. 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) .
  13. Remove the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector from the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
    14. Fig 5: View Of Power Steering Gear
    GM454257Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1, 4).
  15. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
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