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Home >> Cadillac >> 2011 >> STS AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering System >> Repair Instructions >> Steering Gear Replacement >> Removal Procedure
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Removal Procedure

    Fig 1: Locking/Unlocking Steering Column
    GM333146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION:

    With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

    • The steering column
    • The intermediate shaft(s)
    • The steering gear

    After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

  1. Install the J-42640  pinin order to lock the steering column in the straight ahead position.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  3. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  4. If necessary in order to access the steering gear, remove the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement .
  5. Remove the left side engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement .
    6. Fig 2: View Of Intermediate Shaft Lower Pinch Bolt
    GM907425Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    WARNING:

    Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control which could result in an accident and possible personal injury.

  6. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
  7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
    8. Fig 3: View Of Variable Effort Steering Electrical Connector
    GM909110Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  8. Disconnect the variable effort steering harness connector.
    9. Fig 4: View Of Outer Tie Rod Retaining Nuts
    GM886244Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  9. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts.
    10. Fig 5: Outer Tie Rod Assembly & Steering Knuckle
    GM643351Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  10. Using the J-24319-B  puller, disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckles.
  11. Place drain pans under the vehicle.
    12. Fig 6: View Of Power Steering Gear Inlet Hose-To-Power Steering Gear Retaining Bolt
    GM1301495Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  12. Remove the power steering hoses to power steering gear retaining bolt.
    13. Fig 7: Power Steering Gear & Hoses
    GM2176697Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  13. Disconnect the power steering hoses (1, 3) from the power steering gear.
  14. If equipped with AWD, perform the following steps:
    1. Use a suitable jack in order to support the bottom of the front differential housing.
      2. Fig 8: View Of Engine Mount Lower Retaining Nuts
      GM1067552Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    2. Loosen the right engine mount nut.
    3. Raise the differential housing in order to clear the steering rack bolt.
    15. Fig 9: View Of Power Steering Gear Mounting Bolts
    GM874631Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  15. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts.
  16. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
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