Buick Regal: Electric Dual Pinion Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement

Removal Procedure

CAUTION: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:

• Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
• Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
• Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
• Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
• Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:
  • Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
  • Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors.

    Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.

• Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening.

  Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.

CAUTION: During removal and installation, all EPS components including mechanical and/or electrical is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping or prying on any EPS component may cause internal damage. If damage occurs or a part is dropped, the EPS component must be replaced.

CAUTION: Care must be taken during removal and installation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) components to not hit or break the EPS motor/controller module or module harness connectors. If the EPS motor/ controller module or module connectors are damaged, the complete component must be replaced.

1.

Disconnect the steering gear electrical connectors (1).

2. Remove the steering gear wiring harness clips (2) from the mounting points on the steering gear.

3.

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle(1) - Remove.

4.

Front Stabilizer Shaft(1)@Steering Gear(2) - Reposition away.

5.

Steering Gear Bolt(1) - Remove[2x].

6. Remove the steering gear (2) from the drivetrain and front suspension cradle.

7. Transfer components as necessary.

Installation Procedure

1.

Position the steering gear (2) on the drivetrain and front suspension cradle.

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution.

2. Steering Gear Bolt(1) - Install and tighten[2x].

Tighten

1. First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)
2. Final Pass: (45 - 60 degrees)

3.

Front Stabilizer Shaft(1)@Steering Gear(2) - Reposition.

4.

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle(1) - Install.

5.

Connect the steering gear electrical connectors (1).

6. Install the steering gear wiring harness clips (2) in the mounting points on the steering gear.

7. Program the power steering control module.

8. Measure the wheel alignment.

STEERING LINKAGE INNER TIE ROD REPLACEMENT

Preliminary Procedures

1. Steering Gear Boot Replacement.

2. After removing the steering gear boot, inspect the steering linkage inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If corrosion or contamination is evident, replace the steering gear.

1. Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod

CAUTION: Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Caution.

Procedure

1. Place a wrench on the flats of the steering linkage inner tie rod housing.
2. Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod housing counterclockwise to remove the steering linkage inner tie rod from the steering gear rack.
3. Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod housing clockwise to install the steering linkage inner tie rod to the steering gear rack.
   Use the CH-6321 wrench and a torque wrench to tighten the steering linkage inner tie rod to specification.
4. Measure and adjust the front toe.

Tighten 105 N.m (77 lb ft)

Special Tools
CH-6321 Inner Tie Rod Wrench
Equivalent regional tools:Special Tools

STEERING GEAR DRIVE COUPLING REPLACEMENT

Preliminary Procedure

Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement.

1. Steering Gear Drive Coupling

NOTE: The steering gear drive coupling connects the power steering assist motor to the steering gear.

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