Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 1208

STEERING 9-55
Fig. 9-67 Installation of Power Steering Hoses (X Series)
4. Remove flexible coupling flange attaching nuts and
lock washers.
5. Remove gear housing to frame bolts.
NOTE: On Pontiac models a brake hose bracket
must be removedpnbr to removing frame bolts.
6. Remove steering gear assembly.
INSTALL
CAUTION: See CAUTION on page l of this
Section regarding the fasteners referred to in
steps 2, 3 and 5.
1. Position steering gear assembly in car, aligning large
head rivet in widest upper flange opening (Fig. 9-6).
NOTE: Metal-to-metal contact bet ween flanges
on stub shaft assembly and steenng shaft as-
sembly will transmit and amplify gear noise to
the driver. (See FLEXIBLE COUPLING ou-
tlined at front of Section 9 and Fig. 9-6 for use
of plastic alignment spacers).
2. Install steering housing to frame bolts finger-tight.
Shift gear assembly to obtain best alignment with
flange on steering shaft. Tighten housing to frame
bolts to 70 lb. ft. torque.
3. Install pitman arm and secure with lock washer and
nut. Tighten nut to 185 lb. ft. torque.
4. Connect pressure and return hose assemblies to gear
assembly and tighten to 25 lb. ft. torque (Figs. 9-66
and 9-67).
5. Install flexible coupling flange attaching nuts and
lock washers and tighten to
20
lb. ft. torque.
6. Be sure coupling pins are porperly positioned (Fig.
9-6). If pins are not positioned porperly, loosen flexi-
ble coupling at worn shaft and reposition or align
steering column.
Check fluid level in pump reservoir on power steering
equipped cars (see POWER STEERING PUMP
DESCRIPTION). Add GM power steering fluid or
equivalent as necessary. DO NOT use automatic
transmission fluid, except in an emergency if power
steering fluid is not available. With front wheels off
floor, start engine and bleed hydraulic system by
manually steering through cycle several times until
there is no evidence of air bubbles in reservoir. Re-
check fluid level and lower car.
MANUAL STEERING GEAR
GENERAL INFORMATION
tion 0. Add lubricant by removing the center side cover
Periodic service consists of lubrication as outlined in Sec- bolt.