Installation Procedure
- Use a lint free towel to clean the power steering assist motor mating surface on the steering gear housing so it is free of old grease and loose particles.
Power Steering Assist Motor Seal (1) - Install NEW
- Apply grease to the following locations. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
- Power steering assist motor seal (1)
- If a secondary groove (2) is present, add a small layer of grease to this location also.
- NOTE:
- Do NOT pinch or roll the power steering assist motor seal while installing the power steering assist motor into the steering gear housing.
- Before adding tension to the steering gear belt, ensure the belt is centered on the large steering gear pulley.
Install the power steering assist motor (1) and NEW steering gear belt.
- Install the NEW steering gear belt on the large steering gear pulley.
- Install the nose of the power steering assist motor (1) into the steering gear housing and slide the steering gear belt onto the pulley.
Do NOT allow the belt to come into contact with any of the grease in the steering gear housing.
- Ensure the teeth of the cogged belt are engaged with the teeth of the steering gear pulley and power steering assist motor.
- After the power steering assist motor (1) and NEW steering gear belt are installed in the steering gear housing, rotate the motor clockwise, while making sure the screw holes in the motor and slotted holes in steering gear housing are aligned properly.
- CAUTION:
This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.
NOTE:After hand tightening the NEW power steering assist motor pivot bolts, ensure the motor can still rotate.
Install and tighten the 3 NEW power steering assist motor pivot bolts (1) by hand to apply slight tension to the steering gear belt.
- Using a paint pen, place an alignment mark on the belt and the large pulley.
Use an open end wrench (1) to rotate the steering gear input shaft (2) 90 degrees in both directions and back to the center position to seat the steering gear belt.
- Verify the steering gear is still centered by aligning the paint pen marks made in step 6 above.
Place the body of the GE-50576-A Acoustic Belt Tension Tester (1) on a flat surface or secure it to the steering gear housing and position the microphone of the tester 6 mm (0.25 in) from the steering gear belt. NEVER hold the tester by hand while taking measurements or the reading will be inaccurate.
- CAUTION:
Refer to Fastener Caution .
Use a non-marring plastic trim tool to strum the steering gear belt (1) at the center location between the pulleys 3 times to get an average belt tension measurement.
- If the average steering gear belt tension measurement is between 350 - 380 Hz then continue to the next step. If the average of the measurements is lower or higher than the specification, then rotate the power steering assist motor clockwise to tighten the belt or counterclockwise to loosen the belt, and take the average of another set of 3 measurements. Repeat this step until the average of the measurements is within the range specified and then tighten the 3 power steering assist motor pivot bolts. Fastener Specifications
- Recheck the steering gear belt tension using the GE-50576-A Acoustic Belt Tension Tester. If the reading is not between 350 - 380 Hz then loosen the power steering assist motor pivot bolt and readjust the belt tension. If the measurement is still within the specified range then continue to the next step.
- If RTV is present, continue to Step 12. If RTV is not present, continue to Step 17.
- Clean the steering gear housing cover with brake clean and allow to completely dry.
Apply RTV to outer most groove only (1). Cut the top off the applicator and apply 2.5 mm (0.10 in) continuous bead to the steering gear housing cover RTV groove. Do not apply into the catch groove (2).
Steering Gear Housing Cover (1) - Install
Steering Gear Housing Cover Bolt (1) - Install NEW and tighten [6x] - Fastener Specifications
- Continue to Step 22.
- Use a lint free towel to clean the steering gear housing cover and mating surface on the steering gear housing so it is free of old grease and loose particles.
Install a NEW steering gear housing cover seal and apply a small layer of grease to the seal. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
Steering Gear Housing Cover (1) - Install
Steering Gear Housing Cover Bolt (1) - Install NEW and tighten [6x] - Fastener Specifications
- CAUTION:
Ensure the torque sensor wiring harness is fully connected and seated to the electric power steering motor controller module. If the harness connector is not fully engaged, damage to the module will occur when the key is turned on and replacement of the module will be necessary.
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.
Connect the torque sensor wiring harness connector (1) to the power steering assist motor controller module.
Ensure the connector lock is engaged.
Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod (1) - Install and tighten - Fastener Specifications
Steering Gear Boot Inner Clamp (1) @ Steering Gear Boot (2) - Install NEW
Apply a small layer of grease to the inner mating surfaces (1) of the steering gear boot before installation. Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers
Steering Gear Boot (1) - Install
Steering Gear Boot Outer Clamp (1) - Install
Steering Gear Boot Inner Clamp (2) - Tighten- use DT-35910 Drive Axle Boot Clamp Pliers (1)
- NOTE:
Tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod nut (1) during the front toe adjustment procedure.
Install the steering linkage inner tie rod nut (1) until aligned with the previously placed matched mark on the steering linkage inner tie rod
Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod (1) - Install
- Remove the steering gear from the vise.
Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear (3) - Install
- Steering Gear Bolt (2) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
- Steering Gear Bolt (1) - Install and tighten - Fastener Specifications
Steering Gear Heat Shield (2) - Install
- Steering Gear Heat Shield Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [4x] - Fastener Specifications
Front Stabilizer Shaft (2) - Install
- Front Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Clamp Bolt (1) - Install NEW and tighten [4x] - Fastener Specifications
Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle (1) - Install - Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal and Installation (AWD) , or Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal and Installation (FWD) , or Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal and Installation (Z71)
- Program the power steering control module. Control Module References
- Measure and adjust the front toe. Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and / or Front Toe Adjustment
Only use General Motors approved room temperature vulcanizing sealant (RTV). Failure to use GM approved products may result in insufficient motor to gear sealing, allowing water intrusion which may lead to rack and pinion steering gear failure and require replacement of the rack and pinion steering gear.
Do not over apply room temperature vulcanizing sealant (RTV). Excessive RTV increases the chance of the RTV to come in contact with the belt or gear causing rack and pinion steering gear failure, requiring replacement of the rack and pinion steering gear.
RTV cure time is 20 minutes and the following steps must be done within that time frame. Failure to complete within the 20 minute time frame will cause improper sealing of the motor to the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear sealing surface and steps 14-16 must be repeated.
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.
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.