Steering Gear Replacement

Steering Gear Replacement

Special Tools
* J-24319-B - Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
* J-42640 - Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure





Caution: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

* The steering column
* The intermediate shaft(s)
* The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

1. With the front wheels of the vehicle in the straight ahead position, install the J-42640 - pin into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement).





Warning

Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control which could result in an accident and possible personal injury.

5. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
6. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.




7. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts (2).




8. Use the J-24319-B - puller in order to disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.
9. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.




10. Disconnect the power steering pressure hose (2) from the steering gear.
11. Disconnect the power steering return hose (1) from the steering gear.
12. If equipped, disconnect the variable effort steering electrical connector.
13. Remove the left stabilizer shaft insulator. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement (Front Suspension).




14. Remove the 2 steering gear bolts.
15. Remove the steering gear through the left wheel opening.
16. If you are replacing the power steering gear, transfer the outer tie rods.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the steering gear through the left wheel opening.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

2. Install the 2 steering gear bolts and tighten to 120 Nm (89 lb ft).
3. Install the left stabilizer shaft insulator. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement (Front Suspension).




4. Connect the power steering return hose (1) steering gear and tighten the fitting to 34 Nm (25 lb ft).
5. Connect the power steering pressure hose (2) steering gear and tighten the fitting to 34 Nm (25 lb ft).
6. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
7. If equipped, connect the variable effort steering electrical connector.




8. Connect the outer tie rods (1) to the steering knuckles.
9. Install the outer tie rod retaining nuts (2) and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft).
10. Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nuts an additional 180 degrees.




11. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
12. Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt and tighten to 47 Nm (37 lb ft).
13. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement).
14. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
15. Lower the vehicle.




16. Remove the J-42640 - pin from the steering column access hole.
17. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair).
18. Inspect the power steering system for leaks.
19. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment (Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment).