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Home >> Pontiac >> 2004 >> Aztek Base, AWD >> 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. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  4. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
    5. 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: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.
  5. Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
    6. Fig 1: View Of Steering Gear Heat Shield & Mounting Bolts
    GM629097Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Use a utility stand in order to support the frame.
  7. Remove the frame rear bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement - Front (W/AWD) or Frame Replacement - Front (W/FWD) in Frame and Underbody.
    8. NOTE: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.
  8. Use the utility stand in order to lower the frame and the powertrain.
  9. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Power Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
  10. Disconnect the power steering gear pressure hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement (LA1)  or Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement (LY7) .
  11. Disconnect the power steering gear cooler pipe from the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement .
    12. Fig 2: View Of Power Steering Gear Nuts/Bolts
    GM629071Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. With FWD, remove the power steering gear nut(s).
  13. With FWD, remove the power steering gear bolts.
    14. Fig 3: Locating Power Steering Gear Nuts/Bolts
    GM629013Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. With AWD, remove the power steering gear nuts.
  15. With AWD, remove the power steering gear bolts.
  16. Remove the power steering gear through the vehicle left side wheel opening.
  17. If replacing the power steering gear, remove the outer tie rods.
  18. If replacing the power steering gear, remove the jam nut.
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