Power Steering Gear Replacement
Power Steering Gear ReplacementRemoval Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.
Notice: Set steering shaft so the block tooth on the upper steering shaft is at the 12 o'clock position, the wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead and set the ignition switch to the LOCK position. Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the coil.
4. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
5. Remove both of the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
6. Support the rear of the frame (3) using jackstands.
7. Remove the frame bolts from the rear of the frame.
Notice: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.
8. Lower the rear of the frame (3).
9. Remove the power steering pressure hose from the power steering gear.
10. Remove the power steering return hose from the power steering gear.
11. Remove the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector from the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
12. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1,4).
13. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
2. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1,4).
^ Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).
3. Inspect the threads on the power steering pressure hose and the power steering return hose.
4. Inspect the O-ring seals on the power steering hoses.
5. Replace the seals if damaged, lubricate the seals before installation.
6. Install the clamp that holds the power steering hoses to the power steering gear.
7. Install the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector to the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
8. Install the power steering pressure hose to the power steering gear.
9. Install the power steering return hose to the power steering gear.
10. Raise the frame into position (3).
11. Install NEW rear frame bolts.
12. Remove the jackstands.
13. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
Notice: Set steering shaft so the block tooth on the upper steering shaft is at the 12 o'clock position, the wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead and set the ignition switch to the LOCK position. Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the coil.
Important: During the installation of the intermediate steering shaft, ensure the steering shaft is seated before you install the pinch bolt. The two mating shafts may disengage if the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before the steering shaft installation.
14. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear (5).
15. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
16. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
17. Lower the vehicle.
18. Fill the power steering system with power steering fluid.
19. Bleed the power steering system.
20. Inspect the power steering system for leaks.
21. Perform a front end alignment.