Steering Gear: Service and Repair

GEAR

REMOVAL
1. Draw off the fluid from the power steering pump reservoir.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.





3. Remove the drag link/tie rod (1) from the pitman arm.
4. Remove the left front cross brace.





5. Remove the power steering return line (3) and the high-pressure line (2).

WARNING: ON VEHICLES WITH HORN/AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT, THE STEERING WHEEL MUST NOT BE TURNED WHEN THE STEERING GEAR IS REMOVED, OTHERWISE THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT WILL BE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR.

6. Remove the ignition key and allow the steering wheel to lock.





7. Remove the pinch bolt (1) from the steering coupling.
8. Remove the steering shaft from the steering gear.
9. Remove the engine ground strap from the frame member.





10. Remove the lower engine mounting bolts (1) on the left and right of the engine mounts.





11. Safely install a support jack (1), under the left side of the engine. Raise the engine (2) approximately 40 mm (2 inch).

CAUTION: DO NOT use force, otherwise the lower steering shaft will be damaged on vehicles with a rigid steering column.





12. Remove the three bolts (1) attaching the steering gear to the body of the vehicle, carefully move steering gear out of the steering shaft then remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION





1. Turn the steering gear to the center position by aligning the marking lines on the steering shaft and the housing cover.

CAUTION: DO NOT use force, otherwise the lower steering shaft (collapsible tubing) will be damaged. Ensure that the connection is assembled correctly.

2. Carefully install the steering gear coupling onto the steering shaft.
3. Push the lower steering shaft into the steering coupling then bolt steering gear onto the vehicle. Tighten to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).





4. Lower the engine and tighten the engine mounts (1). Tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the ground strap to the frame.





6. Install the pinch bolt (1) to the steering coupling. Tighten to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).





7. Install the high-pressure hose (2). Tighten to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the return line (3). Tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the drag link/tie rod.
10. Install the left front cross brace.
11. Fill and bleed the power steering pump.