Steering Gear Replacement

Steering Gear Replacement


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



Removal Procedure


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. Install J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct steering orientation.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair) .
3. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .




4. Remove the outer tie rods retaining nuts (2).




5. Using J 24319-B remove the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.




6. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
8. Remove the steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (Service and Repair) .




9. Remove the rear transmission mount upper mounting nuts (1).
10. Disconnect the variable effort steering electrical connector, if equipped.
11. Install a drain pan under the vehicle.




12. Remove the power steering pressure (2) and return hose (1) from the power steering gear.




13. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts.
14. Install a jack under the rear portion of the frame.
15. Remove the rear mounting bolts from the frame.

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.

16. Lower the rear portion of the frame.
17. Remove the rack and pinion from the drivers side of the vehicle.
18. Transfer necessary components.



Installation Procedure

1. Install the rack and pinion to the vehicle.
2. Raise the rear portion of the frame.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .

3. Install the frame mounting bolts.

Tighten the frame mounting bolts to 192 N.m (142 lb ft).





4. Install the transmission mount mounting nuts (1).

Tighten the transmission mounting nuts (1) to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).





5. Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts.

Tighten the rack and pinion mounting bolts to 95 N.m (70 lb ft).





6. Install the power steering pressure (2) and return hose (1) to the power steering gear.

Tighten the power steering pressure and return hoses to 27 N.m (20 lb ft).

7. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
8. Connect the variable effort steering electrical connector.
9. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (Service and Repair) .




10. Install the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles.
11. Install the outer tie rods retaining nuts.

* Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nut (2) to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).
* Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nut (2) up to 1/6 additional turn, or 70 N.m (52 lb ft) maximum.






12. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
13. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.

Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 45 N.m (33 lb ft).

14. Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
15. Lower the vehicle.




16. Remove J 42640 from the steering column access hole.
17. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair) .
18. Adjust front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment (Service and Repair) .