Caution! On models equipped with an airbag, do not rotate the steering column shaft with the steering gear removed, otherwise the airbag module will be damaged. After removing the steering gear on these models, secure the steering wheel with the seat belt by passing the belt through the wheel opening and fastening the buckle.
1. Raise the vehicle and place it on stands. Set the parking brake.
2. Place a tray under the steering gear (on models with power steering). Disconnect the hoses from the power steering (see photo).
3. On vehicles with power steering, move aside the plastic shield to provide access to the universal joint. Mark the position of the lower universal joint relative to the steering gear shaft. Unscrew the lower intermediate shaft mounting tie bolt (see photo). On vehicles without power steering, move the plastic shield up the intermediate steering shaft, unscrew the adapter nut and remove the washer. Remove the adapter and unscrew the flexible coupling clamp bolt.
4. Mark the position of the bipod on the shaft. Unscrew the bipod nut, remove the washer.
5. Press the bipod off the shaft using a puller.
6. Hold the steering gear and loosen the mounting bolts. Lower the steering gear, separate the intermediate shaft from the steering gear shaft and remove the gear
7. Install the steering gear in place, attach the intermediate shaft, aligning the marks.
8. Place washers on the steering gear mounting bolts and tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
9. Install the bipod on the shaft, aligning the marks. Put on the washer, screw on the nut and tighten the nut to the specified torque.
10. Install the intermediate shaft clamp bolt, tighten the bolt to the specified torque. On a vehicle without power steering, install the adapter, tighten the mounting nut. On all models, install the flexible coupling/universal joint plastic shield in place.
11. Connect the steering rods, connect the hoses to the power steering, fill the fluid into the power steering pump reservoir.
12. Remove the vehicle from the stands.
The article is reprinted from the website: ChevyMan