GM 26087072 Gear Kit,Steering (Remanufacture)

Raise the intermediate shaft seal and remove the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt. Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands, then remove both front wheel and tire assemblies. Remove the cotter pins and nuts from both tie rod ends. Using tool J-6627 or BT-7101 or equivalent, press the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. If equipped with an air management pipe, remove the bracket bolt from the crossmember. Remove the 2 rear cradle mounting bolts and lower the rear of the cradle about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm). If equipped, remove the rack and pinion heat shield. Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts, then the gear assembly through the left wheel opening. To install, place the gear assembly through the left wheel opening and install the mounting bolts. Reinstall the heat shield. Raise the rear of the cradle and install the mounting bolts. Install the bracket bolt to the crossmember under the air management pipe. Reattach the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles, install the retaining nuts, and insert new cotter pins. Reinstall the front wheels and lower the vehicle. Finally, install the intermediate shaft seal and the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt, then check and adjust the toe-in as necessary.

The procedure is similar to the manual type, except that the hydraulic hoses must be disconnected from the Rack And Pinion housing. Plug the ends of the hoses and the fluid inlet and outlet holes in the housing. Once installation is complete, bleed the system.

Remove the battery ground cable and the coupling shield if applicable. Take off the nuts, lockwashers, and bolts at the steering shaft to coupling flange. Remove the Pitman arm lock nut and washer, marking the position of the Pitman arm in relation to the shaft before using a suitable puller to take it off. Unscrew the Rack And Pinion from the frame and take it out of the vehicle. When installing, position the Rack And Pinion so that the coupling mounts properly to the flanged end of the steering shaft, secure it to the frame, fit the washers and bolts, and then torque-tighten. Secure the steering coupling to the flanged end of the column with the lockwashers and nuts, ensuring the nuts are torque-tightened. Finally, install the Pitman arm and reconnect the battery ground cable along with the coupling shield if applicable.

Install the front wheels and lower the vehicle. Install the high pressure hoses to the steering gear and install the air cleaner.

During installation, position the gear so that the coupling mounts correctly to the flanged end of the steering shaft.

After adjusting the lash adjuster screw position if necessary, reinstall the Pitman arm and horn shroud, and reconnect the battery ground cable.

The hydraulic hoses must be disconnected from the steering gear housing.

A jerky or lumpy sensation while turning the steering wheel indicates worn or damaged bearings.

Secure the gear to the frame, install the washers and bolts, and torque-tighten them.

Plug the ends of the hoses and the fluid inlet and outlet holes in the housing.