Removal and Replacement

Power Steering Gear and Linkage: Removal and Installation










CAUTION:

Spiral cable may snap due to steering operation if the steering column is separated from the steering gear assembly. Therefore secure the steering wheel to avoid turning.

NOTE:

When removing components such as hoses, tubes/lines, etc., cap or plug openings to prevent fluid from spilling.

Removal

1) Set front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2) Remove the front tires from the vehicle, using power tool.
3) Drain the power steering fluid.
4) Remove the under cover, using power tool.
5) On 4WD models, remove the front final drive, then support the drive shafts, using suitable wire. Refer to [Front Final Drive Assembly: Removal and Installation] .
6) Remove the stabilizer bar brackets and reposition the stabilizer bar. Refer to [Stabilizer Bar: Removal and Installation] Service and Repair.
7) Remove the cotter pins at the steering outer sockets.

CAUTION:
Do not reuse the cotter pins.

8) Loosen the outer socket nuts.
9) Remove the steering outer sockets from the steering knuckles, using Tool, then remove the nuts.











CAUTION:
- Do not damage the outer socket boots.
- Do not damage the outer socket threads. Thread the ball joint nut onto the end of the outer socket during removal.

10) Remove the high-pressure and low-pressure piping from the steering gear assembly, then drain the fluid from the piping.






CAUTION:
Do not reuse O-ring.

11) Remove the pinch bolt from the lower joint shaft, then separate the lower joint from the steering gear assembly.






CAUTION:
- Do not damage the lower joint.

12) Remove the nuts and bolts of the steering gear assembly, using power tool, then remove the steering gear assembly from the vehicle.






Installation

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-ring.

- Bleed the air from the steering hydraulic system before starting engine. Refer to [Air Bleeding Hydraulic System] Service and Repair.
- With the steering wheel in the straight ahead position, align the slit of the lower joint with the projection on the dust cover. Insert the joint until surface (A) contacts surface (B).





- After removing/installing or replacing steering components, check wheel alignment. Refer to [Front Wheel Alignment: On-Vehicle Service] Service and Repair.
- After adjusting wheel alignment, adjust neutral position of the steering angle sensor if equipped with VDC. Refer to [Adjustment of Steering Angle Sensor Neutral Position] Adjustments.

Inspection after Installation

- Check that the steering wheel turns smoothly to the left and right locks.
- Check that the number of turns are the same from the straight-forward position to the left and right locks.
- Check that the steering wheel is in the neutral position when driving straight ahead.