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.

Steering Gear» Remove - Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement
Place the steering gear in a vise.
NOTE:
- The torque sensor wiring harness is NOT repairable. Do NOT attempt to repair the harness under any circumstances. If the harness is damaged then the steering gear MUST be replaced.
- 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.
Use an open end wrench (1) to rotate the steering gear input shaft (2) to center the steering gear rack in its travel.
NOTE: After the steering gear has been centered, do NOT allow the gear to move from the center position.

Fig 1: Steering Gear Input Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Use the following procedure to verify the steering gear rack is centered:
1. Measure distance (a) from the top of the steering linkage outer tie rod to the steering gear boot inner clamp on either side of the steering gear rack.
2. Measure distance (b) from the top of the steering linkage outer tie rod to the steering gear boot inner clamp on the opposite side of the steering gear rack.
3. Verify both measurement (a) and measurement (b) are equal.
4. If the measurements are not equal, turn the steering gear input shaft until the measurements are the same.
Remove any dirt and debris from the torque sensor wiring harness connector (1) and surrounding area and disconnect the connector from the power steering assist motor controller module.

Fig 2: Torque Sensor Wiring Harness Connector
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove any dirt and debris from the steering gear where the steering gear housing (1) and the power steering assist motor (2) mate to the steering gear.
NOTE: Cleaning the entire area of dirt and debris will ensure no contaminants enter the steering gear.

Fig 3: Steering Gear Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod @ Belt Side» Remove - Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement
CAUTION: Before removing the steering gear housing cover bolts from the steering gear, the section of the threads that protrude past the steering gear MUST be cleaned with a wire brush. Failure to clean the threads may result in the bolts breaking during removal. If the bolts break, the complete steering gear must be replaced.
Using a wire brush clean the threads of the steering gear housing cover bolts (1) that protrude past the steering gear.

Fig 4: Cleaning Threads Of Steering Gear Housing Cover Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the steering gear housing cover bolts (1).
DISCARD the bolts.

Fig 5: Steering Gear Housing Cover Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Use a rubber mallet to tap on the steering gear housing cover (1) to release the dowel pins and remove the cover from the steering gear housing.

Fig 6: Steering Gear Housing Cover
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Inspect the inside of the steering gear housing for contamination and inspect the steering gear belt for any damage.
If there is any contamination in the steering gear housing or the belt is damaged, replace the steering gear. Refer to Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement
Remove the power steering assist motor pivot bolt (1).
Keep the OLD bolt for the installation process.

Fig 7: Power Steering Assist Motor Pivot Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Rotate the power steering assist motor (1) in the steering gear housing to remove the steering gear belt tension and then pull the motor toward the steering gear input shaft until the motor is released from the housing and belt.
DISCARD the belt.

Fig 8: Power Steering Assist Motor
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Install a clean shop rag (1) over the large steering gear pulley to prevent any dirt and debris from entering the steering gear housing.

Fig 9: Install Clean Shop Rag Over Large Steering Gear Pulley
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY