How to Change the Steering Gear on a 1996 Chevrolet

The power steering gear on the 1996 Chevrolet C/K series trucks is power-assist. The power steering pump pumps fluid from the pump reservoir through the steering gear to make steering easier. The system uses a high-pressure hose and a return hose to move the fluid throughout the system. Care should be taken to keep the lines from becoming contaminated.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the vehicle with the floor jack, then support it with jack stands. Turn the wheels so they are facing straight ahead. Disconnect the negative battery cable and set it aside, ensuring that it does not touch metal.

2

Slide the drain pan under the steering gear. Disconnect the fluid lines, using the appropriate line wrenches. Cap the openings or stuff a rag in the openings to prevent contamination. Remove the adapter and shield from the gear and flexible coupling, using the appropriate sockets.

3

Matchmark the coupling clamp and the wormshaft so you may put them together the same way they came off. Remove the coupling pinch bolt. Matchmark the Pitman arm to the Pitman shaft. Unfasten the shaft nut, then remove the Pitman arm from the shaft, using the puller.

4

Remove the steering gear-to-frame bolts using the appropriate socket, then remove the gear assembly from the vehicle.

5

Place the steering gear in position and guide the wormshaft into the flexible coupling, lining up the flat in the coupling with the flat on the wormshaft. Install the steering gear-to-frame bolts and tighten them to 100 foot-pounds of torque.

6

Install the flexible coupling pinch bolt and tighten it to 22 foot-pounds of torque. The distance between the flexible coupling to the flange should be 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch of flat. Install the Pitman arm onto the Pitman shaft, ensuring that your marks are lined up. Install the Pitman shaft nut and tighten it firmly. Reinstall the adapter and shield. Reconnect the fluid lines. Refill the reservoir with power steering fluid.

7

Start the vehicle and turn the wheels from lock to lock several times. Top off the power steering fluid as needed. Repeat until the power steering level doesn't go down any more and there are no air bubbles in the reservoir.