steering

Electric Power Steering Motor

for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.2 h
Tools
12
Steps
15
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering motor on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least 2 minutes before beginning work to allow the airbag system to discharge.
Do not turn the steering wheel with the intermediate shaft disconnected, as this can damage the clock spring in the steering column.
Power steering fluid is corrosive to paint and can create slipping hazards. Clean spills immediately.
ℹ️The vehicle must remain stationary with wheels chocked during this procedure to prevent steering rack movement.

Tools required

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Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

  • ACDelco Power Steering Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
  4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes
  5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at frame rails
  6. Remove both front wheels
  7. Place steering wheel in centered position and do not move during procedure
  8. Drain power steering fluid reservoir using pump or turkey baster into drain pan

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access the steering system
    Remove the lower steering column cover inside the cab to access the intermediate shaft connection. Remove any necessary trim panels or knee bolsters using trim tools. Locate the intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the steering column.
  2. 2
    Disconnect intermediate shaft
    Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and the steering column shaft with paint or marker for proper reassembly alignment. Remove the coupling bolt connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft. Carefully slide the upper intermediate shaft off the steering column splines.
    Mark shaft alignment before disconnecting to ensure proper reassembly and prevent steering wheel misalignment.
  3. 3
    Remove steering rack heat shield
    From underneath the vehicle, locate and remove the steering rack heat shield if equipped. Remove the mounting screws or bolts securing the shield and set aside. This provides access to the steering rack and power steering motor.
  4. 4
    Disconnect power steering lines
    Place drain pan under the power steering motor connection points. Using appropriate line wrenches, disconnect the power steering fluid supply and return lines from the steering motor assembly. Note the orientation of each line for proper reconnection. Allow fluid to drain completely. Remove and discard the old O-rings from the line fittings.
    Power steering fluid will drain from lines and motor. Have adequate drain pan capacity to catch fluid.
  5. 5
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Locate the electrical connector on the power steering motor assembly. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the wiring harness connector from the motor. Move the wiring harness out of the work area and secure it to prevent damage.
  6. 6
    Remove lower intermediate shaft connection
    From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower coupling where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering rack input shaft. Mark the alignment between the shaft and rack for reassembly. Remove the lower coupling bolt and carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the steering rack pinion shaft.
    Support the intermediate shaft to prevent it from dropping and damaging the steering column components.
  7. 7
    Remove power steering motor mounting bolts
    Locate all mounting bolts securing the electric power steering motor to the steering rack assembly. There are typically three to four mounting bolts. Using a socket and breaker bar if necessary, remove all mounting bolts while supporting the motor weight. Keep track of bolt locations if they vary in length.
  8. 8
    Remove power steering motor
    Carefully maneuver the electric power steering motor assembly away from the steering rack. The motor may be heavy and awkward to handle in the confined space. Lower it carefully and remove it from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting surfaces on the rack for damage or debris.
  9. 9
    Prepare new power steering motor
    Remove the new electric power steering motor from packaging and inspect for shipping damage. Install new O-rings onto the power steering line fittings on the new motor, lubricating lightly with power steering fluid. Compare the new motor to the old unit to verify correct replacement part.
  10. 10
    Install new power steering motor
    Position the new electric power steering motor onto the steering rack assembly, aligning the mounting holes and the motor shaft with the rack input. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening. Torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
  11. 11
    Reconnect intermediate shaft
    Align the lower intermediate shaft with the steering rack pinion shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Ensure the shaft is fully seated onto the splines. Install a new coupling bolt if recommended and torque to specification. Verify the connection is secure with no lateral movement.
  12. 12
    Connect power steering lines and electrical
    Install new lubricated O-rings onto the power steering line fittings. Connect the power steering supply and return lines to the motor assembly in their original positions. Torque the line fittings to specification using a line wrench. Reconnect the electrical connector to the power steering motor, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
  13. 13
    Reconnect upper intermediate shaft
    From inside the vehicle, align the upper intermediate shaft with the steering column shaft using the alignment marks. Slide the shaft onto the column splines ensuring full engagement. Install the coupling bolt and torque to specification. Verify the steering wheel remains centered.
  14. 14
    Fill power steering fluid
    Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with ACDelco Power Steering Fluid to the proper level. Do not overfill. With the engine off and front wheels still raised, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to bleed air from the system. Check fluid level and add as necessary.
  15. 15
    Reinstall remaining components
    Reinstall the steering rack heat shield if equipped. Reinstall the lower steering column covers and any interior trim panels removed during access. Install both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  2. Confirm all power steering line fittings are properly torqued and not cross-threaded
  3. Double-check that all intermediate shaft coupling bolts are torqued to specification
  4. Ensure the steering wheel is centered and all alignment marks match original positions
  5. Verify power steering fluid is at proper level in reservoir

Verification

  • Reconnect the negative battery cable
  • Start the engine and check for power steering fluid leaks at all connection points
  • With engine running, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while checking for unusual noises or binding
  • Verify power steering assist is functioning properly with light steering effort
  • Check power steering fluid level again after running engine and add if necessary
  • Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering operation and no warning lights
  • Perform final inspection under vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive
  • Verify no diagnostic trouble codes are present using scan tool

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

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More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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