Captiva

Steering Gear Replacement

Caution: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

•	The steering column

•	The intermediate shaft(s)

•	The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tyres and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centred and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became uncentred, refer to your specific SIR coil's centring procedure to re-centre SIR Coil.

Note: The left-hand drive model is shown. The right-hand drive model is similar.

1. With the front wheels in the straight ahead position, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.
2. Rotate the steering wheel in order to lock the steering column.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
4. Remove the front tyre and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tyre and Wheel Removal and Installation .
5. Remove the transmission rear mount assembly. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement : AWD  → FWD .
6. Place drain pans under the vehicle in order to catch the power steering fluid.
7. Remove as much power steering fluid from the reservoir as possible.

Caution: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Caution in the Preface section.




8. Loosen the fitting (1) and disconnect the pressure pipe from the steering gear.
9. Loosen the fitting (2) and disconnect the steering gear outlet pipe from the steering gear.
10. Disconnect any electrical connectors as necessary.



11. Ask an assistant to unlock, rotate, and hold the steering wheel in order for you to access the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt.
12. Use paint in order to place a match mark on the steering gear pinion shaft housing that lines up with the groove on the intermediate steering shaft lower coupling.
13. Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt.
14. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear pinion shaft.
15. Ask an assistant to lock the steering column in the straight-ahead position.



16. Remove the outer track rod nuts.
17. Disconnect the outer track rods from the steering knuckles.



18. Remove the left mounting bolt from the steering gear.



19. Remove the right mounting bolt from the steering gear.
20. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle through the wheelhouse.

1. If you are replacing the steering gear, copy the match mark from the old steering gear to the new steering gear.
2. Position the steering gear in the vehicle through the wheelhouse.




Note: Ensure the steering column and the steering gear are in the straight-ahead position. Install the steering gear from below the vehicle.

3. Align the match marks and connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear pinion shaft.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




4. Install the right mounting bracket bolt to the steering gear and tighten to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).



5. Install the left mounting bracket bolt to the steering gear and tighten to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).



6. Connect the outer track rods to the steering knuckles.
7. Install the nuts to the outer track rods and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).



8. Ask an assistant to unlock, rotate, and hold the steering wheel in order for you to access the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt.

Note: When installing the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt, ensure the bolt goes through the universal joint on the side of the stub shaft with the notch.

9. Install the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
10. Ensure the steering column and the steering gear are in the straight-ahead position.

Caution: Refer to Installing Hoses without Twists or Bends Caution in the Preface section.




11. Connect the pressure pipe to the steering gear and tighten the fitting (1) to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).
12. Connect the steering gear outlet pipe to the steering gear and tighten the fitting (2) to 34 N·m (25 lb ft).
13. Connect any electrical connectors as necessary.
14. Install the transmission rear mount assembly. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement : AWD  → FWD .
15. Install the front tyre and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tyre and Wheel Removal and Installation .
16. Lower the vehicle.

Caution: Refer to Using Proper Power Steering Fluid Caution in the Preface section.

17. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .

Caution: Refer to Air in the Power Steering System Caution in the Preface section.

18. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
19. Clean any excess power steering fluid from the vehicle.
20. Remove the drain pans.
21. Inspect the position of the steering system. Refer to Straight Ahead Inspection .