Steering Gear Replacement

Steering Gear Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution: Secure the steering wheel utilizing 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
* The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.

1. Remove as much power steering fluid from the remote power steering fluid reservoir as possible.
2. 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).
3. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft links at the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).
4. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement).
5. Remove the rear propeller shaft, if equipped. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
6. Remove the underbody rear side rails. Refer to Underbody Rear Side Rail Replacement ().
7. Remove the frame brace. Refer to Frame Brace Replacement (Service and Repair).
8. Remove the right side catalytic convertor. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side).
9. Remove the steering gear heat shields. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (Service and Repair).
10. Position adjustable jack stands underneath the left and right sides of the vehicle at the rear of the front frame.
11. Place drain pans under the vehicle as needed.




12. Remove the left and right front frame reinforcement mounting bolts. Left side shown, right side similar.




13. Loosen the front frame reinforcement mounting bolts (1). Left side shown, right side similar.
14. Loosen the front frame mounting bolts (2). Left side shown, right side similar.




15. Loosen the rear front frame mounting bolts (1).




16. Lower the frame (1) from the frame rail (2) until enough clearance is gained to remove the steering gear.




17. Remove the power steering gear inlet hose retaining plate bolt (1) and the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip bolt (2).
18. Pull the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses out of the steering gear and power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip.




19. Remove the left side steering gear nuts (1) and bolts (2).




20. Remove the right side steering gear bolts (1).
21. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle through the driver side of the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the steering gear to the vehicle through the driver's side.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

Note: Start all bolts by hand before finalizing any torques.

2. Install the right side steering gear bolts (1) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).




3. Install the left side steering gear nuts (1) and bolts (2) and tighten to 75 Nm (55 lb ft).
4. Install the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses to the steering gear.




5. Install the power steering gear inlet hose retaining plate bolt (1) and tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb in).
6. Install the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip bolt (2) and tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb in).
7. Raise the front frame to the vehicle body leaving approximately a half inch gap.




8. Install the left and right front frame reinforcement mounting bolts and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
Left side is shown, right side is similar




9. Tighten the rear front frame mounting bolts (1) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.




10. Tighten the front frame mounting bolts (2) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
Left side is shown, right side is similar
11. Tighten the front frame reinforcement mounting bolts (1) and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
Left side is shown, right side is similar
12. Remove the adjustable jack stands from underneath the vehicle.
13. Clean any excess fluid from the vehicle and remove the drain pans.
14. Install the underbody rear side rails. Refer to Underbody Rear Side Rail Replacement ().
15. Install the rear propeller shaft, if equipped. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
16. Install the steering gear heat shields. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (Service and Repair).
17. Install the right side catalytic convertor. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side).
18. Install the frame brace. Refer to Frame Brace Replacement (Service and Repair).
19. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement (Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement).
20. Connect the stabilizer shaft links at the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).
21. 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).
22. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair).
23. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment (Service and Repair).