Rack and Pinion Assembly Removal and Installation
Rack and Pinion Assembly RemovalRemoval
Tools Required:
KM-507-B Ball Joint Remover
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
3. Remove the wheels.
4. Disconnect the power steering gear fluid inlet pipe.
5. Disconnect the hose from the power steering gear fluid outlet pipe. Place a drain pan under the steering gear to catch the power steering fluid.
6. Position the steering gear straight ahead by turning the steering wheel until the steering wheel spokes are vertical and pointed to the left.
7. Scribe a mark on the stub shaft housing that lines up with a mark on the intermediate shaft lower coupling.
8. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
9. Remove the outer tie rod nuts and disconnect the tie rod ends from the strut assembly using the ball joint remover KM-507-B.
10. Remove the nuts and bolts from the steering gear mounting brackets. Remove the crossmember assembly for easy access of the rack and pinion assembly removal.
WARNING: When removing the crossmember assembly it should be supported by Jack stands, in advance. Failure to support the crossmember properly can result in personal injury. In addition, remove the centermember bolt with caution when the exhaust pipe is hot.
11. Disconnect the SSPS solenoid valve connector.
12. Remove the rack and pinion assembly from the crossmember assembly.
Installation
1. Install the rack and pinion assembly from below. The steering gear must be in a straight ahead position, and the steering wheel spokes must be vertical and pointing to the left. Align the marks on the shafts to ensure proper positioning. Seat the stub shaft into the intermediate shaft.
2. Connect the SSPS solenoid valve connector.
3. Install the nuts and bolts on the steering gear mounting bracket.
Tighten: Tighten the steering gear mounting bracket bolts and nuts to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
4. Connect the tie rod ends to the strut assembly.
5. Install the outer tie rod nuts.
Tighten: Tighten the outer tie rod nuts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
6. Install the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
Tighten: Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
7. Connect the power steering gear fluid inlet pipe.
Tighten: Tighten the steering gear inlet pipe fitting to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).
8. Connect the hose to the power steering gear fluid outlet pipe.
9. Install the wheels.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Do a straight-ahead check.
12. Refill the power steering system and check for leaks. If leaks are found, correct the cause of the leak and bleed the system.
CAUTION: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use power steering fluid DEXRON-II or III or equivalent. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
13. Connect the negative battery cable.