Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Steering Gear

Special Tool(s):

Removal and Installation
1. Place the steering wheel in the straight ahead position and the ignition key in the OFF position.





2. Remove the 2 lower steering column shaft joint cover bolts and cover.

3. CAUTION: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the gear or damage to the clockspring can occur. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems.

NOTE: Index the steering column shaft position to the steering gear for reference during installation.





Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
^ To install, align the index marks, tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

4. CAUTION: Remove the steering column shaft-to-dash seal or damage to the seal can occur.





Remove the steering column shaft-to-dash seal.
5. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.





6. If equipped, remove the under body cover retainers and shield.
^ Remove the 8 screws and the underbody.

7. NOTE: Left side shown, Right side similar.





If equipped, remove LH and RH splash shield pin-type retainers and splash shields.
8. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end cotter pins and nuts.
^ Discard the cotter pins.
^ To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).

9. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.





Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod ends from the knuckle.
10. Support the rear of the sub-frame with a suitable jack and remove the 4 rear bolts and 2 rear nuts.
^ To install, tighten the bolts and nuts in 2 stages.
^ Stage 1: Tighten to 89 Nm (66 ft. lbs.).
^ Stage 2: Tighten to 149 Nm (110 ft. lbs.).
11. Lower the rear of the front sub-frame 3 inches with the support of the jack.
12. Release the clamp and remove the steering gear-to-fluid cooler return hose.
13. Remove the power steering pressure line bracket-to-steering gear bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.).

14. 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.

Remove the power steering pressure line banjo bolt and seals.
^ Discard seals and banjo bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
15. Remove the steering gear bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 107 Nm (79 ft. lbs.).
16. Remove the steering gear from the LH side of the vehicle.

17. CAUTION: A new bolt and new seals must be installed any time the power steering pressure line is disconnected from the power steering gear.

CAUTION: Make sure that the dash seal is properly installed on the steering gear and the retaining clips are fully engaged into the body or damage to the steering gear can result.





To install, reverse the removal procedure.
18. Fill the power steering system.
19. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.