Service Procedure

Service Procedure

Special Tools

CH-22610 Keystone Clamp Pliers

Note
Perform boot inspection and replacement on the passenger side of vehicle only.
Vehicles in dealer inventory require replacement of steering gear boot only. The inspection of the steering gear is NOT required.

Customer vehicles require replacement of the steering gear boot and the inspection of the steering gear. If the steering gear displays signs of contamination, the steering gear is to be replaced.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

2. Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement in SI.

3. Remove the steering linkage inner tie rod nut.





4. Remove the outer boot clamp (1). Discard the clamp.

5. Cut or otherwise remove the inner boot clamp (3). Discard the clamp.

6. Remove the steering gear boot (2). For vehicles in dealer inventory, proceed to Step 9. For customer vehicles, proceed to the next step.





7. Inspect steering gear boot (2) for cut (reference picture) on the side facing downwards in vehicle. Discard the boot.

8. Inspect inner tie rod, inner steering gear boot (2), and surrounding internal areas for any evidence of moisture (such as rust) or environmental contamination (such as sand, dirt, or grime). Note: the discoloration on exterior of gear housing does not indicate leakage and should not be used to determine the integrity of the interior of the steering gear.

- If evidence of contamination is apparent, replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in SI.

- If contamination is NOT present, replace only the steering gear boot (2) using Boot Kit P/N 13354440. Proceed to Step 9.





Note
The steering linkage inner tie rod and the steering gear boot must be free of moisture and debris.

9. Apply lubricant to both inner ends of the steering gear boot (2).

Note
Ensure the larger end of the steering gear boot is firmly seated in the correct location on the steering gear.

10. Install the steering gear boot with the NEW inner boot clamp (3) loosely attached.





11. Use the CH-22610 pliers in order to install the NEW inner boot clamp (1).





Note
Ensure the small end of the steering gear boot is firmly seated in the correct location on the steering linkage inner tie rod.

12. Install the NEW outer boot clamp (2).

13. Install the steering linkage inner tie rod nut (1).

14. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement in SI.

15. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment in SI.

16. Lower the vehicle.