steering
Electric Power Steering Motor
for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master 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
Metric socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (10-180 Nm range)Essential
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Battery terminal wrenchEssential
Clean shop ragsEssential
Drain panEssential
Breaker barEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — GM 23477354 or equivalent
- Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Coupling bolt (if reuse not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
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
- Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes
- Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at frame rails
- Remove both front wheels
- Place steering wheel in centered position and do not move during procedure
- Drain power steering fluid reservoir using pump or turkey baster into drain pan
Procedure
- 1Access the steering systemRemove 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.
- 2Disconnect intermediate shaftMark 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.
- 3Remove steering rack heat shieldFrom 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.
- 4Disconnect power steering linesPlace 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.
- 5Disconnect electrical connectorLocate 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.
- 6Remove lower intermediate shaft connectionFrom 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.
- 7Remove power steering motor mounting boltsLocate 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.
- 8Remove power steering motorCarefully 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.
- 9Prepare new power steering motorRemove 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.
- 10Install new power steering motorPosition 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.
- 11Reconnect intermediate shaftAlign 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.
- 12Connect power steering lines and electricalInstall 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.
- 13Reconnect upper intermediate shaftFrom 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.
- 14Fill power steering fluidFill 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.
- 15Reinstall remaining componentsReinstall 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
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Confirm all power steering line fittings are properly torqued and not cross-threaded
- Double-check that all intermediate shaft coupling bolts are torqued to specification
- Ensure the steering wheel is centered and all alignment marks match original positions
- 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.
P1600PCM Battery Direct Power CircuitP1633Ignition Supply Power Circuit Low VoltageP1634Ignition 1 Power Circuit Low VoltageP1860TCC PWM Solenoid Circuit ElectricalP1864Torque Converter Clutch System ElectricalP2106Throttle Actuator Control System Forced Limited PowerP2715Transmission Shift Solenoid D ElectricalB0081Driver Power Seat Motor CircuitB0082Passenger Power Seat Motor CircuitB0200Driver Power Window Motor CircuitB0201Passenger Power Window Motor CircuitB0220Driver Power Mirror Motor Circuit
Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →