Steering Gear Replacement (NVH)

Steering Gear Replacement (NVH)

Special Tools
* J-44015 - Steering Linkage Installer
* SA91100C - Tie Rod Separator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools (Tools and Equipment).

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. LOCK the steering column. Verify the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.
2. Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible.
3. Place drain pans under the vehicle.
4. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).




5. Remove both steering linkage outer tie rod nuts (1).
Discard the steering linkage outer tie rod nuts.

Caution: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

6. Use the SA91100C - separator in order to disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.




7. Remove the steering shaft coupling bolt (1) and disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear.
Discard the steering shaft coupling bolt.
8. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).
9. Rotate the stabilizer shaft in order to provide clearance for the steering gear.




10. Remove the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1).




11. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet hose (2) and the power steering cooler hose (1) from the steering gear.
12. Discard the O-ring seals.




13. Remove the rear transmission mount through bolt (1).




14. Remove the 3 rear transmission mount bolts (1).
15. Position the rear transmission mount to the side.




16. Remove the steering gear bolts (1).
17. Maneuver and remove the steering gear through the left wheelhouse opening.
18. Transfer any parts as necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the steering gear in the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening. Ensure the steering gear bushings are centered in the frame.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

Note: Hand start the steering gear bolts before finalizing any torques.

2. Install the steering gear bolts and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).
3. Connect the steering shaft coupling to the steering gear.




4. Install a NEW steering shaft coupling bolt (1) and tighten to 33 Nm (24 lb ft).




5. Install a NEW O-ring seal and connect the power steering gear inlet hose (2) to the steering gear. Tighten the power steering gear inlet hose fitting to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
6. Install a NEW O-ring seal and connect the power steering cooler hose (1) to the steering gear. Tighten the power steering cooler hose fitting to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).




7. Install the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) and tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb in).
8. Install the rear transmission mount.




9. Install the 3 rear transmission mount bolts (1) and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).




10. Install the rear transmission mount through bolt and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).
11. Connect the stabilizer shaft links to the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).




12. Use the J-44015 - installer in order to seat the steering linkage outer tie rods. Tighten the J-44015 - installer to 40 Nm (30 lb ft).




13. Install new steering linkage outer tie rod nuts (1) and tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).
14. Tighten the steering linkage outer tie rod nuts an additional 90 degrees.
15. Clean any excess fluid from the vehicle.
16. Remove the drain pans.
17. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair).
18. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
19. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment (Service and Repair).