2 - 16 SUSPENSION AND STEERING
GEM Service Manual November 2007
STEERING GEAR
DESCRIPTION
The GEM uses a rack and pinion steering gear with
integral tie rods.
OPERATION
Teeth on the pinion gear engage teeth on the rack.
Turning motion of pinion gear causes rack to move
either right or left.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
If excessive play was detected during the driving
test outlined in Front Wheel Alignment in this
section, raise vehicle off ground and support safely
with jack stands. Grasp the lower half of steering
shaft and rotate to determine if play is in the
steering gear. Also check steering gear for loose
mounting bolts.
• If the steering gear mounting bolts are loose,
tighten to 225 in-lb.
• If excessive play is found within the steering
gear, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
1. Remove the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts.
2. Raise and support the vehicle on a suitable
hoist.
3. Remove front tire and wheel assemblies.
4. Remove the tie rod ends. See Outer Tie Rod
End in this section.
5. Remove the pinch bolt that joins the steering
column shaft and the steering gear. Slide the
steering shaft up to disconnect it from the gear.
6. Remove the bolts and washers that attach the
steering gear bracket on the front suspension
frame and remove the steering gear.
7. Remove the steering gear bracket.
Fig. 14 Steering Gear Attaching Bolts
1 - Attaching bolts with up to four washers each (2 per side)
2 - Bracket
INSTALLATION
1. Install the steering gear bracket.
2. Position steering gear assembly and the
mounting bracket on front frame support. Install
the mounting bolts and tighten to 225 in-lbs.
3. Make sure rack and pinion are in centered
position (tie rods are equal length).
4. Make sure steering wheel is in centered
position, then insert lower end of steering shaft
over pinion stud. Tighten pinch bolt to
35 ft-lbs.
5. Install the tie rod ends. See Outer Tie Rod End
in this section.
6. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Tighten
lug nuts just snug.
7. Lower vehicle to floor.
8. Tighten lug nuts to 65 ft-lbs.
9. Install the hubcaps.
10. Check the vehicle toe-in. Adjust if necessary.
See Wheel Alignment in this section.
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