Electric Power Steering Motor

Remove and replace the electric power steering motor assembly on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including disconnection of electrical connections and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering motor mounting bolts (if corroded) × 3 — GM 11609448 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure vehicle is powered off completely
3. Chock rear wheels for additional safety
4. Mark the current steering wheel center position with tape before beginning
5. Disconnect negative terminal of 12V battery located in rear cargo area
6. Wait minimum 2 minutes for vehicle systems to fully discharge
7. Remove driver's side lower dash panel to access steering column area if needed for your specific approach

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering column area
   Remove the driver's side lower dashboard trim panel by carefully prying out the retaining clips. Lower the steering column to its lowest position using the tilt adjustment. This provides better access to the upper steering column and power steering motor mounting area.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate the power steering motor electrical connector on the motor housing. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the main power connector. If equipped with a secondary position assurance (SPA) lock, slide it out before disconnecting. Mark connector orientation if needed for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove coupling bolt cover
   Locate the protective cover over the intermediate shaft coupling bolt where the steering column connects to the power steering motor input shaft. Remove the cover screws and set aside the cover. Clean any debris from the coupling area.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect steering coupling
   Use a paint pen or marker to mark the alignment between the intermediate shaft and the power steering motor input shaft. This ensures proper reassembly alignment. Remove the coupling bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the motor input shaft. Carefully separate the coupling, supporting the intermediate shaft to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate or drop after disconnection, as this can damage the clock spring in the steering column.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove power steering motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three mounting bolts securing the power steering motor assembly to the firewall or mounting bracket. These are typically arranged in a triangular pattern. Support the motor with one hand while removing the mounting bolts. Note the position and orientation of any spacers or washers.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove power steering motor assembly
   Carefully maneuver the power steering motor assembly out of the vehicle. The unit may need to be rotated or tilted to clear surrounding components. Take care not to damage nearby wiring harnesses or other components during removal. Inspect the mounting points and brackets for damage or corrosion.
7. 7

   Prepare new power steering motor
   Unpack the new power steering motor assembly and verify it matches the original unit. Check that the input shaft is in the center position. Transfer any brackets or components from the old motor to the new one if they are not pre-installed. Clean the mounting surface on the firewall or bracket with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new power steering motor
   Position the new power steering motor assembly into the mounting location, carefully maneuvering it into place. Align the motor with the mounting holes and any alignment pins or dowels. Hand-thread all three mounting bolts before tightening any of them. Torque the mounting bolts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even clamping.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect steering coupling
   Align the intermediate shaft with the power steering motor input shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Verify the splines are properly engaged and the shafts are fully seated together. Install the coupling bolt and torque to specification. Double-check that the coupling is fully engaged with no gap.
   ⚠Ensure alignment marks match exactly before tightening the coupling bolt to prevent steering misalignment.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall coupling cover
    Position the protective cover over the coupling bolt area. Install and torque the cover screws to specification. Ensure the cover is properly seated and will not interfere with steering column movement.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Connect the main power steering motor electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Install any secondary position assurance (SPA) locks. Verify the connector is secure and properly seated with no visible gaps.
12. 12

    Reinstall trim panels and reconnect battery
    Reinstall the driver's side lower dashboard trim panel, ensuring all clips are properly engaged. Reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery in the rear cargo area. Do not start the vehicle yet.

Reassembly

1. Return steering column to normal position after verifying coupling installation
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in the work area before closing panels

Verification

• Turn vehicle to ON position (do not start) and verify no warning lights related to steering system appear on instrument cluster
• Perform steering angle sensor calibration using a GM MDI or equivalent scan tool - this is mandatory after power steering motor replacement
• With vehicle still OFF, gently rotate steering wheel to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual resistance
• Start vehicle and verify power steering assistance is functioning properly
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify full range of motion and proper assist
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, verifying proper steering response and no unusual noises
• Check for any diagnostic trouble codes and clear if necessary after confirming proper operation
• Verify steering wheel remains centered when driving straight

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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