Installation Procedure

2001 Chevrolet Chevy Express G3500, Van Passenger Extended, 6.5 FSECTION Installation Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the pitman arm. Refer to PITMAN ARM REPLACEMENT (RWD) or PITMAN ARM REPLACEMENT (4WD) in Steering Linkage.
  2. Install the steering gear.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
  3. Install the power steering gear to the frame washers and mounting bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the power steering gear to frame mounting bolts to 75 N.m (55 lb ft).

    Fig 1: Installing Power Steering Gear To Frame Washers & Mounting Bolts
    G01467257Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Connect the relay rod to the pitman arm ball stud. Ensure the seal is on the stud.
  5. Seat the taper using J 29193  or J 29194  .

    Tighten 

    Tighten J 29193  or J 29194  to 62 N.m (48 lb ft).

  6. Remove J 29193  or J 29194  from the pitman arm ball stud.
  7. Install the new nut and cotter pin to the pitman arm ball stud at the relay rod.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the pitman arm ball stud nut at the relay rod to 83 N.m (61 lb ft).

    Fig 2: Installing New Nut & Cotter Pin To Pitman Arm Ball Stud At Relay Rod
    G01467258Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Install differential carrier shield.
  9. Install the differential carrier shield mounting bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

  10. Install the steering linkage shield. Refer to STEERING LINKAGE SHIELD REPLACEMENT in Steering Linkage.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
    Fig 3: Differential Carrier Shield Mounting Bolts
    G01467259Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Install the lower intermediate shaft to the power steering gear.
  13. Ensure that the alignment marks line up.
  14. Install the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt to 35 N.m (26 lb ft).

    Fig 4: Installing Lower Intermediate Shaft To Power Steering Gear
    G01467260Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Install the pressure and return hoses to the power steering gear.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the pressure hose to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).

  16. Connect the wiring harness clip to the power steering return hose at the power steering gear.
    Fig 5: Installing Pressure & Return Hoses To Power Steering Gear
    G01467261Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Install the intermediate shaft shield to the power steering gear.
  18. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT in Engine Controls 4.3L.
    Fig 6: Installing Intermediate Shaft Shield To Power Steering Gear
    G01467262Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Unlock the steering column by removing the J 42640  from the steering column lower steering column trim cover access hole.
  20. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to BLEEDING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM .
Fig 7: Unlocking Steering Column Using Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin
G01467263Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.