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Removal Procedure

CAUTION:

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:

  • Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
  • Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
  • Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
  • Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
  • Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:
    • Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
    • Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.
  • Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.
CAUTION:

During removal and installation, all EPS components including mechanical and/or electrical is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping or prying on any EPS component may cause internal damage. If damage occurs or a part is dropped, the EPS component must be replaced.

CAUTION:

Care must be taken during removal and installation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) components to not hit or break the EPS motor/controller module or module harness connectors. If the EPS motor/controller module or module connectors are damaged, the complete component must be replaced.

  1. Perform the strategy based diagnosis. Performing the strategy based diagnostics includes reviewing related bulletins, preliminary information and diagnostics. Strategy Based Diagnosis
    2. NOTE:
    • The power steering control module is part of the power steering assist motor.
    • If communication with the OLD power steering control module cannot be established, then replace the entire steering gear as an assembly. Do NOT proceed with replacement of just the power steering assist motor.
  2. Capture the key cycle count from the OLD steering gear control module. If the key cycle count from the OLD steering gear control module is NOT captured, it will NOT be possible to flash the NEW steering gear control module. Control Module References
  3. Electric Dual Pinion Rack and Pinion Steering Gear - Remove - Electric Dual Pinion Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement 
  4. GM5482175Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    When positioning the rack and pinion steering gear in a vise, only clamp in the area specified. Failure to properly secure the rack and pinion steering gear in a vice, may result in damage. If the rack and pinion steering gear is damaged, it must be replaced.

    NOTE:

    When installing the steering gear in a vise and clamping on the barrel of the steering gear housing, do NOT pinch the torque sensor wiring harness. If available, use a soft jaw vise.

    Carefully clamp the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear (1) in a vise within the area indicated (a).

    5. CAUTION:

    Do not attempt to use power tools for cleaning or disassembly/assembly of the Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear or Power Steering Assist Motor. Failure to follow all the steps properly will result in a failed component requiring complete replacement of the Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear.

  5. Clean the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear with brake clean and a soft brush to remove dirt from the repair area and dry with compressed air. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers 
  6. GM4780891Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    Do NOT pry on the Power Steering Assist Motor electrical connector. Prying on the Power Steering Assist Motor electrical connector could crack the Power Steering Assist Motor housing. If the Power Steering Assist Motor housing is cracked, the motor assembly must be replaced.

    Remove the connector position assurance lock (1) from the electrical connector (2).

  7. If the connector position assurance lock (1) is damaged during removal, DISCARD.
  8. GM4780971Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Depress connector tab (1) and disconnect the electrical connector (2) from the power steering assist motor (3).

  9. Verify the electrical connector is NOT damaged. If damage is noted, do NOT attempt to repair the electrical connector. Replace the entire electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear.
  10. Tape off the electrical connector to prevent debris from entering.
  11. GM4780983Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Power Steering Assist Motor Bolt (1) - Remove and DISCARD [2x]

    12. NOTE:

    Prior to removal, note the orientation of the power steering assist motor to the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear. Do NOT apply pressure on or near the plastic electronic control unit (ECU).

    NOTE:

    To aid in removal, rotate the power steering assist motor clockwise or counter-clockwise to disengage the sealant. Do NOT pry or use prying tools between the motor and gear assembly.

  12. Power Steering Assist Motor (2) - Remove
  13. GM5482174Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Steering Gear Drive Coupling (1) - Remove and DISCARD

    14. CAUTION:

    When cleaning the rack and pinion steering gear power assist motor sealing surface, ensure that no debris or cleaning chemicals enter the rack and pinion cavity. If debris or cleaning chemicals enter the rack and pinion cavity, rack and pinion steering gear failure could occur and require replacement of the rack and pinion steering gear.

  14. Place a clean lint free towel within the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear drive coupling cavity.
    15. NOTE:

    Do NOT use air tools to clean the power steering assist motor sealing surface.

  15. Using a plastic scraper, clean the power steering assist motor sealing surface removing all corrosion and room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant from the surface area. If the power steering assist motor sealing surface has been damaged, replace the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear.
  16. Remove the lint free towel from the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear drive coupling cavity and ensure no debris has entered the cavity.
    NOTE:
    • Inspection of the steering gear motor shaft and the inside of the steering gear housing is REQUIRED to ensure that there are NO signs of water intrusion or corrosion which MAY cause premature motor failure.
    • If signs of water intrusion or corrosion ARE present then the steering gear MUST be replaced.
  17. Inspect the steering gear motor shaft and inside of the steering gear housing for signs of water intrusion or corrosion. If no signs of water intrusion or corrosion are present proceed to the next step. If signs of water intrusion or corrosion are present then replace the steering gear. Electric Dual Pinion Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement 
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