Steering Gear Replacement

Steering Gear Replacement (LE8 and LE9) (2.2L and 2.4L)

Special Tools

J 24319-B - Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

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 steering wheel to the straight ahead position and lock it in place.
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).




3. Remove both rack and pinion outer tie rod end nuts and discard them.





Note: Do not attempt to separate the rack and pinion outer tie rod ends using a wedge type tool.

4. Use the J 24319-B - Puller in order to separate the rack and pinion outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.




5. Remove the intermediate steering shaft bolt at the steering gear and discard it.
6. Separate the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
7. Remove the transmission rear mount. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (Transmission Rear Mount Replacement) for the manual transaxle and Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (Transmission Rear Mount Replacement) for the automatic transaxle.




8. Remove the steering gear bolts.
9. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the steering gear in the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

2. Install the steering gear bolts and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).
3. Install the transmission rear mount. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (Transmission Rear Mount Replacement) for the manual transaxle and Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (Transmission Rear Mount Replacement) for the automatic transaxle.




4. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear.
5. Install a new intermediate steering shaft bolt and tighten to 34 Nm (25 lb ft).




6. Install the rack and pinion outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
7. Install new rack and pinion outer tie rod end nuts and tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
8. Tighten the outer tie rod end nuts an additional 90 degrees.
9. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
10. 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).
11. If equipped with RPO JL4, calibrate the steering angle sensor. Refer to Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning).