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Steering Gear Replacement




Steering Gear Replacement

Special Tools

EN-45059 - Angle Meter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.

Removal Procedure

1. Disconnect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (without Start/Stop System) Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (without Start/Stop System).

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.

2. Turn the front wheels to the straight forward position and secure the steering wheel from moving.
3. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.
5. Perform the following steps in order to gain access to the steering gear. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement .

1. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.
2. Remove the exhaust front pipe.
3. Remove the front compartment splash shield.
4. Remove the engine shield, if equipped.
5. Remove the front compartment insulator, if equipped.
6. Disconnect the 2 steering linkage outer tie rods from the 2 steering knuckles.
7. Disconnect the 2 stabilizer shaft links.
8. Remove the transmission mount bracket bolts.
9. Support the drivetrain and front suspension frame.
10. Remove the rear frame bolts.
11. Remove the frame reinforcement bolts and the frame reinforcements.
12. Lower the drivetrain and front suspension frame 55 mm (2 in).

Caution: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:

* Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
* Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
* Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
* Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
* Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:

- Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
- Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.

* Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.

Note: Connector latches are difficult to access

6. Disconnect the electrical connectors. Refer to FEP Connectors (Steering Gear) FEP Connectors (Steering Gear).




7. Use a suitable tool in order to carefully disconnect the 2 wiring harness plugs (3) from the steering gear.
8. Remove the 2 wiring harness bracket bolts (4).
9. Remove the bracket (2).
10. Disconnect the wiring harness retainer (1) from the steering gear.




11. Remove and DISCARD the 2 right stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts (2).
12. Reposition the stabilizer shaft (1) in order to gain clearance for the steering gear.




13. Remove and DISCARD the 2 steering gear bolts (4) and the nuts (1, 3) from front suspension frame.
14. Carefully remove the steering gear (2) through the right front wheel house.

Installation Procedure





Caution: Ensure that the steering column dash seal is installed properly onto steering gear rack pinion housing. The sealing lip MUST rest on lower steering column cover surface evenly. To ease installation of the seal, apply liquid soap to the sealing lip. After installation, verify that the seal lip does not protrude into the vehicle's interior. Improper installation could result in poor sealing performance and water intrusion into the vehicle.

Note: Ensure the wiring routing is correct.

1. Carefully install the steering gear (2) through the right front wheel house and position the steering gear on the frame.
Warning: Refer to Torque-to-Yield Fastener Warning Torque-to-Yield Fastener Warning.


Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

2. Install the 2 NEW steering gear bolts (4) and the 2 NEW nuts (1, 3) and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).
3. Use the EN-45059 - sensor in order to tighten the steering gear bolts and nuts an additional 150 degrees to 160 degrees.




4. Install the wiring harness bracket (2).
5. Install the 2 wiring harness bracket bolts (4) and tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb in).
6. Connect the wiring harness retainer (1) to steering gear.
7. Connect the 2 wiring harness plugs (3) to the steering gear.

Note: Connector latches are difficult to access

8. Connect the electrical connectors. Refer to FEP Connectors (Steering Gear) FEP Connectors (Steering Gear).




9. Position the stabilizer shaft (1) and the bracket onto the suspension frame.
10. Install the NEW right stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts (2) and tighten to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).
11. Use the EN-45059 - sensor in order to tighten the NEW right stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts an additional 30 degrees.
12. Perform the following steps. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement .

1. Position the drivetrain and front suspension frame in the vehicle.
2. Install the frame reinforcements and the frame reinforcement bolts.
3. Install the rear frame bolts.
4. Install the transmission mount bracket bolts.
5. Connect the 2 stabilizer shaft links.
6. Connect the 2 steering linkage outer tie rods to the 2 steering knuckles.
7. Install the front compartment insulator, if equipped.
8. Install the engine shield, if equipped.
9. Install the front compartment splash shield.
10. Install the exhaust front pipe.
11. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies.

13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement.
15. Connect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (without Start/Stop System) Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (without Start/Stop System).
16. 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.
17. Program the power steering control module. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Programming and Setup Power Steering Control Module Programming and Setup.
18. Center the steering angle sensor and learn the software end stops. Refer to Power Steering Control Module Calibration Power Steering Control Module Calibration.

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