Steering Shaft Replacement

STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT

NOTE:
Replace the steering column upper joint (steering shaft) only if needed. Refer to steering shaft inspection, step 6.

1. Make sure the front wheels are positioned straight ahead.





2. Remove the clamp bolts at each end of the Steering column upper joint (steering shaft).





3. Use a flat blade driver or other suitable tool to loosen both clamp ends of the steering shaft.





4. Loosen the clamp ends enough so the steering shaft is loose at both ends.

^ Steering shaft will move back and forth a small amount.





5. Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.

6. Position a steering wheel holding tool as shown.

^ This will keep the steering wheel stationary while replacing the steering shaft.





NOTE:
The marks shown in Figure SS5 should be aligned.

^ Tab on transfer gear assembly

^ Raised area on rubber cover

^ Gap on steering shaft clamp





7. Remove the 3 transfer gear assembly mounting bolts.





8. Push the transfer gear assembly forward and remove the steering shaft.





9. Pull the steering shaft to remove it from the other end.

10. Install the new steering shaft in reverse order.

^ The shaft end that goes towards the steering wheel is notched; it will go in only one way.

^ Make sure shaft end at the steering gear assembly is aligned correctly (see Figure SS5).

^ Torque for steering gear assembly mounting bolts is:
20 - 29 Nm (2.0 - 3.0 kg-m, 14 - 22 ft-lb)

^ Torque for steering shaft clamp bolts (both ends) is:
24 - 29 Nm (2.4 - 3.0 kg-m, 17 - 22 ft-lb)