Steering Gear - Removal

STEERING GEAR

NOTE: Before proceeding, Service Precautions .

1. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible from the pump.




2. Reposition the floor carpeting to access the intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the column.
3. Position the front wheels of vehicle in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) at the base of the column can be accessed.
4. Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Do not separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear pinion shaft (4) at this time.





5. Return the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) to the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating. This keeps the clockspring in the proper orientation.





6. Raise and support the vehicle. Service and Repair
7. Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1).





8. On each side of the gear, remove the nut (2) from the out tie rod end (4) at the knuckle (3).





9. On each side of the gear, separate the tie rod end (3) from the knuckle (2) using Remover (1), Special Tool 9360.

10. If equipped, remove the engine belly pan. Belly Pan - Removal
11. Remove the rear engine mount. Engine Mount Insulator - Removal.
12. Remove the front engine mount through-bolt.





13. Remove the three screws (1, 2) securing the heat shield (3) to the crossmember (4). Remove the shield.





14. Remove the return hose (1) at the steering gear (3).
15. Remove the pressure hose (2) at the steering gear (3).





16. Remove the fasteners (1) securing the power steering hose routing clamps (2) to the crossmember.





17. Remove the screws (1) securing the stabilizer bushing retainers (3) to the crossmember.
18. Remove the two stabilizer bushing retainers.






NOTE: Before removing the front suspension crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the crossmember must be marked on the body of the vehicle. Do this so the crossmember can be relocated, upon reinstallation, against the body of vehicle in the same location as before removal. If the front suspension crossmember is not reinstalled in exactly the same location as before removal, the preset front wheel alignment settings (caster and camber) may be lost.

19. Mark the location of the front crossmember on the body near each mounting bolt using a marker or crayon. Do not use a scratch awl or other tool that can penetrate the protective coating on the body.
20. Support the front crossmember with a transmission jack.
21. Remove the four mounting bolts (two each side) (6) securing the front crossmember (1) to the body.





22. Lower the crossmember enough to access the intermediate shaft coupling (1) at the steering gear pinion shaft (4). Slide the coupling off the pinion shaft.
23. Remove the dash seals (3, 5) as necessary.





24. Remove the two bolts (1) securing the steering gear (2) to the crossmember.
25. Rotate the stabilizer bar up in order to remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
26. Remove the steering gear from the crossmember.