Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 2709

REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

RACK AND PINION STEERING LINKAGE INSPECTION

Tools Required

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Outer Tie Rod

1. Inspect the outer tie rod seal. If the outer tie rod seal is torn, replace the outer tie rod.

2. Elevate the left or right front of the vehicle and install a suitable vehicle support,

maintaining contact between one front wheel and the shop floor. Refer to Lifting and
Jacking the Vehicle .

1

General Description and perform the necessary
inspections?

Go to Step 2

- Power Steering

System

2

Verify that the steering effort is hard in one or
both directions.
Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3

3

Perform the power steering test procedure.
Refer to Power Steering System Test.
Did you complete the procedure?

Go to Step 4

-

4

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 6: Identifying J 42640
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

3. Position the wheels in a straight-ahead position and install anti-rotation pin J 42640 .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 7: Checking Tie Rod-To-Steering Knuckle Lash
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

4. Install dial indicator J 8001 between the outer tie rod and steering knuckle as shown and

push slowly inward with one hand on the tire to remove the lash.

The wheel and tire are removed for clarity.

5. Place the dial indicator at zero, pull outward on the tire, and note the amount of movement

in the joint.

Movement should not exceed 1.0 mm (0.04 in). If movement exceeds 1.0 mm (0.04 in) then
replace the outer tie rod.

6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other side of the vehicle if needed.

7. If tie rod end replacement is needed, refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod

Replacement.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING

1. Fill pump reservoir with fluid to minimum system level, FULL COLD level, or middle of

hash mark on cap stick fluid level indicator.

2. If equipped with hydro-boost, fully charge the hydro-boost accumulator using the following

procedure:

1. Start the engine.

2. Firmly apply the brake pedal 10-15 times.

3. Turn the engine OFF.

3. Raise the vehicle until the front wheels are off the ground. Refer to Lifting and Jacking

the Vehicle .

4. Key on engine OFF, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop 12 times.

Vehicles equipped with hydro-boost systems or longer length power steering hoses may
require turns up to 15 to 20 stop to stops.

5. Verify power steering fluid level per operating specification. Refer to Checking and

Adding Power Steering Fluid (With Hydroboost) or Checking and Adding Power

IMPORTANT:

Use clean, new power steering fluid type only. See the
Maintenance and Lubrication subsection for fluid
specifications. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant
Recommendations .

Hoses touching the frame, body or engine may cause
system noise. Verify that the hoses do not touch any
other part of the vehicle.

Loose connections may not leak, but could allow air into
the steering system. Verify that all hose connections are
tight.

IMPORTANT: Power steering fluid level must be maintained throughout

bleed procedure.

IMPORTANT: With hydro-boost only, the oil level will appear falsely high if

the hydro-boost accumulator is not fully charged. Do not
apply the brake pedal with the engine OFF. This will
discharge the hydro-boost accumulator.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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