Steering Gear Replacement

Steering Gear Replacement

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. Turn the front wheels to the straight ahead position and secure the steering wheel from moving.
2. Place drain pans under the vehicle.
3. Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible.
4. Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).
5. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement).




6. Loosen the rear transmission mount bracket bolt.
7. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector and unclip the connector from the rear transmission mount bracket.




8. Remove the 3 transmission rear mount bolts (1).
9. Remove the 3 rear transmission mount bracket nuts.
10. Position the transmission rear mount and bracket aside.




11. Remove the power steering gear inlet hose bolt and disconnect the power steering gear inlet hose and the power steering gear outlet hose from the steering gear.




12. Remove the power steering gear outlet hose retainer from the right side rear of the frame.
13. Remove the steering gear bolts, nuts, and washers from the steering gear.
14. Rotate the steering gear as necessary in order to remove the steering gear through the left front wheel opening.
15. Transfer any parts as necessary.

Installation Procedure

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

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

Note: Start all of the bolts and nuts by hand before finalizing any torques.

2. Install the steering gear bolts, nuts, and washers to the steering gear and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).




3. Install the power steering gear outlet hose retainer to the right side rear of the frame.




4. Connect the power steering gear inlet hose and the power steering gear outlet hose to the steering gear. Install the power steering gear inlet hose bolt and tighten to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
5. Position the transmission rear mount and bracket in place.
6. Install the 3 rear transmission mount bracket nuts and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).




7. Install the 3 transmission rear mount bolts (1) and tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb ft).
8. Connect the HO2S electrical connector and clip the connector to the rear transmission mount bracket.




9. Tighten the rear transmission mount bracket bolt and tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb ft).
10. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement).
11. Connect the steering linkage outer tie rods to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).
12. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair).
13. Clean any excess power steering fluid from the vehicle.
14. Remove the drain pans.
15. 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).