Lumina L4-151 2.5L (1991)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Saginaw Rack & Pinion Manual Steering Gear
Removal/Installation
1.
Remove air cleaner, then raise and support vehicle. Provide additional support at rear of vehicle.
2.
Remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
3.
Remove intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt at steering gear.
4.
Remove intermediate shaft from stub shaft. Failure to disconnect intermediate shaft from rack and pinion shaft stub may result in damage
to steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control.
5.
Disconnect electrical connector at switch.
6.
Using tie rod puller/ball joint remover tool No. J-35917 or equivalent, disconnect tie rod ends from knuckle and strut assembly.
7.
Support body with suitable stands, then remove rear frame mounting bolts and lower rear frame no more than five inches. Do not lower rear of
frame too far. Damage to engine components nearest to cowl may result.
8.
Remove heat shield, then the pipe retaining clip from steering gear.
9.
Disconnect inlet pipes and outlet line from power steering gear.
10.
Remove remaining brackets and clips.
11.
Remove rack and pinion mounting nuts and bolts, then the rack and pinion assembly through the left wheel opening.
12.
Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque rack and pinion mounting bolts to specifications.
b. Replace O-rings as necessary.
c. Torque power steering line fitting to specifications.
d. Torque heat shield attaching screws to specifications.
e. Torque rear frame attaching bolts to 100 ft. lbs.
f.
Torque tie rod end castle nuts to specifications.
g. Torque intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt to specifications.
13.
After completing installation, bleed power steering system as follows:
a. Turn wheels all the way to left.
b. Add power steering to Cold mark on fluid level indicator.
c. Start engine and run at fast idle, then add fluid, if necessary, to bring level to Cold mark.
d. Bleed system by turning wheels from side to side without hitting stops. Keep fluid level at Cold mark.
e. Return wheels to center position and continue running engine for 2-3 minutes.
f.
Road test vehicle to ensure steering functions normally and is free of noise.
g. Check fluid level and ensure level is at Hot mark after system has stabilized at its normal operating temperature.
Disassembly/Assembly
