Steering Gear Removal and Installation
RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLYRack And Pinion Mounting:
REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
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: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the "LOCK" position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.
1. Intermediate shaft lower coupling.
2. Raise vehicle on frame contact hoist.
3. Left front tire and wheel assembly.
4. Road Sensing Suspension position sensor.
5. Both tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
6. Exhaust "Y" pipe at converter.
7. Support rear of frame with screw jack.
CAUTION: The frame must be properly supported before partially lowering. The frame should not be lowered any further than needed to gain access to the steering gear.
8. Loosen # 2 & # 3 body mount bolts and slowly lower rear of frame.
9. Heat shield.
10. Plastic line retainer.
11. Pressure and return pipes from gear.
12. Speed Sensitive Steering solenoid valve connector.
13. Five rack and pinion attaching bolts.
14. Rack and pinion assembly by sliding out to side.
INSTALL OR CONNECT
1. Rack and pinion assembly.
2. Five rack and pinion attaching bolts.
TIGHTEN
^ Rack and pinion attaching bolts to 68 Nm (50 lbs. ft.).
3. Speed Sensitive Steering solenoid valve connector.
4. Pressure and return pipes to gear.
TIGHTEN
^ Pressure and return pipes at gear to 27 Nm (20 lbs. ft.).
5. Plastic line retainer.
6. Heatshield.
7. Raise frame and tighten body mount bolts.
8. Exhaust "Y" pipe at converter.
9. Tie rod ends.
TIGHTEN
^ Tie rod end nut to 10 Nm (7.5 lbs. ft.) then an additional 1/3 turn (2 flats).
IMPORTANT
^ When tightening tie rod end nut, a minimum torque of 45 Nm (33 lbs. ft.) must be obtained. If 45 Nm (33 lbs. ft.) is not obtained, inspect for stripped threads. If threads are satisfactory, replace tie rod end and knuckle.
^ After tightening castellated nut to specification, align slot in nut to cotter pin hole by tightening only. Do not loosen nut for cotter pin installation.
10. Road Sensing Suspension position sensor.
11. Tire and wheel assemblies.
12. Lower vehicle.
13. Intermediate shaft coupling.
TIGHTEN
^ Intermediate shaft coupling bolt 47 Nm (35 lbs. ft.).
14. Fill and bleed power steering system.