Chevrolet Trax: Steering gear replacement (N40)

Removal Procedure

1. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (N40) .
2. Remove the intermediate steering shaft upper seal. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Seal Replacement .
3. Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
5. Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
6. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
7. Disconnect the exhaust isolators from the drivetrain and front suspension frame. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (LUV) , Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement .
8. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket through bolt. Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD) , Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD) .

Fig. 49: Power Steering Gear Inlet Hose And Bracket

9. Remove the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) and the plastic push pin (2) and separate the power steering gear inlet hose (3) from the vehicle frame.

Fig. 50: Power Steering Gear Outlet Hose Bracket

10. Remove the power steering gear outlet hose bracket bolt (1) and the plastic push pin (2) and separate the power steering gear inlet hose (3) from the steering gear.
11. Place drain pans under the vehicle.

Fig. 51: Power Steering Gear Inlet And Outlet Hoses

12. Remove the power steering gear inlet and outlet hose bolt (1) and release the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses (2,3) and seals (4) from the steering gear. DISCARD the seals.
13. Position adjustable jack stands underneath the left and right sides of the rear of the drivetrain and front suspension frame.
14. Loosen, but do not remove, the drivetrain and front suspension frame front bolts. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Long Cradle) , Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Short Cradle) .
15. Remove the drivetrain and front suspension frame upper and rear bolts. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Long Cradle) , Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Short Cradle) .
16. Partially lower the rear of the drivetrain and front suspension frame to gain clearance for the steering gear.
17. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

Fig. 52: Steering Gear And Mounting Bolts

18. Remove the steering gear nuts (1), washers (2) and steering gear bolts (3). DISCARD the bolts.
19. Remove the steering gear (4) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 53: Steering Gear And Mounting Bolts

1. Position the steering gear (4) on the vehicle.
2. Install the NEW steering gear bolts (3), washers (2) and nuts (1).

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

CAUTION: This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners.

Install a NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

3. Tighten the steering gear bolts (3) to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) + (90-105 degrees).
4. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
5. Install all drivetrain and front suspension frame bolts. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Long Cradle) , Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Short Cradle) .

Fig. 54: Power Steering Gear Inlet And Outlet Hoses

6. Connect the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses (2,3) and NEW seals (4) to the steering gear.
7. Tighten the power steering gear inlet and outlet hose bolt (1) to 11 N.m (97 lb in).

Fig. 55: Power Steering Gear Outlet Hose Bracket

8. Secure the power steering gear outlet hose (3) to the steering gear using the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) and the plastic push pin (2).
9. Tighten the power steering gear outlet hose bracket bolt (1) to 9 N.m (80 lb in).

Fig. 56: Power Steering Gear Inlet Hose And Bracket

10. Secure the power steering gear inlet hose (3) to the vehicle frame using the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) and the plastic push pin (2).
11. Tighten the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
12. Clean any excess power steering fluid from the vehicle and remove the drain pans.
13. Install the rear transmission mount bracket through bolt. Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD) , Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD) .
14. Connect the exhaust isolators to the drivetrain and front suspension frame. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (LUV) , Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement .
15. Connect the stabilizer shaft links to the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
16. Connect the steering linkage outer tie rods to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
17. Install the intermediate steering shaft upper seal. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Seal Replacement .
18. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (N40) .
19. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.

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