The Pontiac Bonneville set sail in 1957 as one America's largest land yachts and stayed afloat for nearly 40 years. The last generation, produced from 2000 to 2005, was slightly more than 2 feet shorter. The last generation shipped with power rack and steering. Fortunately, a new rack is slightly less complicated to install than the rack on many other cars.
Steer your front wheels absolutely straight and set the steering column to "Lock." Insert the anti-rotation pin tool into the steering column underside to lock it completely. Remove the front wheels and steering gear heat shield.
Remove the lower pinch bolt from intermediate shaft to disconnect it from the steering gear. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts and uncouple the rod from the knuckle. Disconnect the pressure and hoses and left stabilizer shaft insulator and remove the steering gear mounting bolts from the mounting holes. Use the left wheel opening to remove the gear from the undercarriage.
Transfer the outer tie rods before installing the new rack. Line the mounting bolts with the holes and tighten to 48 foot pounds for models before 2003 and 55 foot pounds for 2004 to 2005 models. Replace the stabilizer shaft insulator and reconnect the steering lines and tighten to 20 foot pounds.
Reconnect the tie rod ends and knuckles. Tighten the nuts to 52 to 55 foot pounds. Connect the intermediate shaft and fasten the lower pinch bolt at 33 to 35 foot pounds. Reinstall the heat shield and front wheels.
Remove the anti-rotation tool and bleed the steering fluid system. Double check for leaks. Adjust the front toe to realign the wheels.
