Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 2734

8. Clean any excess fluid from the vehicle and remove the drain pans.

9. If equipped with a diesel engine, install the left wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front

Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (Chevrolet) or Front Wheelhouse Liner
Replacement - Left Side (GMC) .

10. Install the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement .

11. Lower the vehicle.

12. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.

STEERING GEAR RACK BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT - OFF VEHICLE

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 88: View Of Adjuster Plug Lock Nut (Rack & Pinion)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. Loosen the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug lock nut (1).

2. Turn the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug clockwise until the it bottoms in the

steering gear assembly.

3. Turn the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug back 50 degrees to 70 degrees

(approximately one flat).

4. Install the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug lock nut (1).

Tighten: Tighten the nut to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).

STEERING LINKAGE INNER TIE ROD REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement - On Vehicle.

NOTE:

Refer to Fastener Notice .

IMPORTANT: Hold the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug stationary

while tightening the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug
lock nut.

IMPORTANT: After removing the boot, inspect the inner tie rod for

evidence of corrosion or contamination. If none is evident,
continue with the repair. If corrosion or contamination is
evident, replace the steering gear.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 89: View Of Inner Tie Rod Housing & Rack
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

2. Place a pipe wrench on the steering gear rack (1) next to the steering linkage inner tie rod

housing (2).

NOTE:

Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before
moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the
steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie
rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.

NOTE:

The pipe wrench must be placed at the valve end of the
steering gear and positioned up against the inner tie rod
housing. Placing the pipe wrench in any other location will
cause damage to the steering gear.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

3. Place a wrench on the flats of the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (2).

4. Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod housing (2) counterclockwise, while holding the

steering gear rack stationary, until the steering linkage inner tie rod separates from the
steering gear rack (1).

Installation Procedure

1. Apply LOCTITE® 262, or equivalent, to the steering gear inner tie rod threads.

2. Attach the steering linkage inner tie rod onto the steering gear rack.

IMPORTANT: All threads must be clean prior to LOCTITE® application.

Check the LOCTITE®, or equivalent, container for the
expiration date. Use only enough LOCTITE® to evenly coat
the threads.

NOTE:

Refer to Pipe Wrench Positioning Notice .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 STEERING Power Steering - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado