GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

Removal Procedure

    Notice: 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.

  1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight forward position, support it from movement, and remove the key from the ignition.
  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. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  5. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 1801218  Size: SH
  7. Remove the outer tie rod castle nuts.
  8. Important: Do not free the ball stud from the steering knuckle by use of a pickle fork or a wedge type tool.

  9. Using J 24319-B , separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
  10. Move the intermediate shaft lower seal up into the intermediate shaft upper seal to gain access to the power steering gear pinch bolt.
  11. 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.


    Object Number: 1801240  Size: SH
  12. Remove the pinch bolt (1) and separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the power steering gear (3).

  13. Object Number: 629097  Size: SH
  14. Use a utility stand in order to support the cradle/frame.
  15. Remove the rear cradle/frame bolts.
  16. Notice: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.

  17. Use the utility stand in order to lower the cradle/frame and the powertrain.

  18. Object Number: 1801586  Size: SH
  19. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose (1) and the power steering cooler pipe/hose (2) from the power steering gear (3). Discard the O-ring seals.
  20. Remove the power steering gear mounting nuts (1) and bolts (2).

  21. Object Number: 1801645  Size: SH
  22. Remove the power steering gear through the vehicle left side wheel opening.
  23. If you are replacing the power steering gear, transfer the necessary components.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the power steering gear to the vehicle through the left side wheel opening.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1801645  Size: SH

    Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:

       • The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.
       • The fastener develops 2 N·m (18 lb in) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.
    If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

  3. Install the power steering gear mounting nuts (1) and bolts (2).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the power steering gear mounting nuts and bolts to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1801586  Size: SH
  5. Using NEW O-ring seals, connect the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose and power steering cooler pipe/hose (1, 2) to the power steering gear.
  6. Tighten

        • Tighten the power steering gear inlet pipe/hose fitting to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
        • Tighten the power steering cooler pipe/hose fitting to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
  7. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
  8. Use the utility stand in order to raise the cradle/frame and the powertrain.
  9. Install the rear cradle/frame bolts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the rear cradle/frame bolts to 240 N·m (177 lb ft).

  11. Remove the utility stand from under the vehicle.

  12. Object Number: 1801240  Size: SH
  13. Position the intermediate steering shaft (2) onto the steering gear shaft (3) and install the pinch bolt (1).
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the power steering gear pinch bolt to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).

  15. Position the outer tie rod ends into the steering knuckles.

  16. Object Number: 1801218  Size: SH

    Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:

       • The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.
       • The fastener develops 2 N·m (18 lb in) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.
       • Ensure that 2.5-4.5 tie rod end threads are visible beyond the tie rod nut nylon.
       • Tighten the outer tie rod end castle nuts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) plus 120 degrees (2 flats).
    If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

  17. Install the outer tie rod end castle nuts.
  18. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  19. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
  22. Inspect and adjust front toe as necessary. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment .