Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Steering GearSpecial Tool(s):
Removal and Installation
All vehicles
CAUTION: While repairing the power steering system, care should be taken to prevent the entry of contaminants or premature failure of the power steering components can result.
1. CAUTION: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the lower shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the lower shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems.
Hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position using a suitable device.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
3. If equipped, remove the 2 bolts and the oil drip shield.
^ To install, tighten to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.)
4. NOTE: Install a new steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt.
Remove and discard the steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.)
5. Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
6. Remove the steering line clamp plate nut.
^ To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.)
7. Rotate the steering line clamp plate and disconnect the power steering lines.
8. NOTE: New O-rings must be installed whenever the power steering lines are disconnected.
Remove and discard the 2 O-rings.
9. NOTE: New tie-rod end nuts must be installed.
Remove and discard the 2 tie-rod end nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.)
10. CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod end boot when installing the special tool.
Using the special tool, separate the 2 tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckle.
11. Remove the 2 steering gear-to-crossmember nuts and bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 350 Nm (258 ft. lbs.)
Four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles
NOTE: On 4WD vehicles, these steps (LH lower arm only) must be carried out to provide clearance to remove the steering gear.
12. Remove the lower shock absorber bolt and flag nut.
^ Discard the flagnut.
^ To install, tighten to 350 Nm (258 ft. lbs.)
13. CAUTION: Do not tighten the LH lower arm nuts and bolts until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies.
NOTE: It is not necessary to disconnect the LH lower ball joint.
Remove and discard the lower arm forward bolt and lower arm rearward nut.
^ To install the lower arm forward bolt, tighten to 400 Nm (296 ft. lbs.)
^ To install the lower arm rearward nut, tighten to 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.)
14. Remove the stabilizer bar link nut and the link.
^ To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.)
All vehicles
15. Remove the steering gear from the LH side of the vehicle.
16. CAUTION: On 4WD vehicles, do not tighten the LH lower arm nuts and bolts until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Install 2 new O-ring seals.
^ Fill the power steering system.
^ Check and, if necessary, align the front end.