Steering Gear Leaking Seal Replacement

[preist]

I've pin pointed a power steering fluid leak to the top of my recirculating ball steering gear (Sierra, 1500, 6.0L, 4x4). This is the end where the steering column connects. The replacement oil seal is available from the dealer but I'm not certain how to remove the old seal. I assume I have to disconnect the steering column shaft but I don't know if the gear's end cap is treaded or otherwise (left hand side of attached picture). I've attached a picture of the correct replacement steering gear as I have found types for this same 1500 vehicle with and without this arrangement.

 

Advice? Thanks in advance.

2002_GMC_Steering_Gear.pdf

2002_GMC_Steering_Gear.pdf

2002_GMC_Steering_Gear.pdf

2002_GMC_Steering_Gear.pdf

[Zembonez]

I've pin pointed a power steering fluid leak to the top of my recirculating ball steering gear (Sierra, 1500, 6.0L, 4x4). This is the end where the steering column connects. The replacement oil seal is available from the dealer but I'm not certain how to remove the old seal. I assume I have to disconnect the steering column shaft but I don't know if the gear's end cap is treaded or otherwise (left hand side of attached picture). I've attached a picture of the correct replacement steering gear as I have found types for this same 1500 vehicle with and without this arrangement.

 

Advice? Thanks in advance.

Judging from the photo it sure looks like it is threaded and therefore removable. Is there an exploded diagram available from the folks that have the seal or the dealer? I doubt the factory manual would have it since they usually only show assemblies.

 

Any GM employee guys that know?