Steering Gear - Installation
STEERING GEAR
1. Install the steering gear on the crossmember.
2. Install the two bolts (1) securing the steering gear (2) to the crossmember. Tighten the gear mounting bolts to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the dash seals (3, 5) as necessary.
4. Center the power steering gear rack in its travel as necessary.
NOTE: When installing the front suspension crossmember (1) back in the vehicle, it is very important that the crossmember be attached to the body in exactly the same spot as when it was removed. Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings (caster and camber) will be lost making wheel alignment more difficult.
NOTE: While raising the steering gear into place, it is not necessary to install the intermediate shaft coupling on the steering gear pinion shaft at this time. It can be installed once the vehicle is lowered. Make sure the coupling does not interfere with steering gear/dash seals at this time.
5. Slowly raise the crossmember (9) into mounted position using the transmission jack matching the crossmember to the marked locations on the body made during removal.
6. Check the positioning of the seals at the dash panel and adjust as necessary.
7. If equipped, position the front crossmember reinforcement brackets (7) (one each side of vehicle) over the crossmember rear mounting bushings and install the mounting screws (8), but do not tighten at this time.
8. If equipped, position the front crossbrace/reinforcement bracket (2) over the crossmember rear mounting bushings and body, then install the mounting screws (1). Do not tighten screws at this time.
9. Install the four mounting bolts (6) securing the front crossmember (1) to the body. Tighten the crossmember mounting bolts to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
10. If equipped, tighten the crossmember reinforcement bracket mounting screws (8) to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
11. If equipped, tighten the crossbrace/reinforcement bracket mounting screws (1) to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
12. Remove the transmission jack.
13. Install the heat shield (1) over the steering gear (2). Install the mounting screws and push-pins. Tighten the screws to 6 Nm (53 in. lbs.).
14. Install the pressure hose tube (4) at the gear. Tighten the tube nut (3) to 32 Nm (24 ft. lbs.).
15. Install the return hose tube (1) at the gear. Tighten the tube nut (2) to 32 Nm (24 ft. lbs.).
16. Position the power steering hose routing clamps (2) on the crossmember. Install and tighten the screws to 8 Nm (71 in. lbs.).
17. Install the fore/aft crossmember (4) and front engine mount through-bolt Crossmember - Installation.
18. Install the rear engine mount Engine Mount Insulator - Installation.
19. If equipped, install the engine belly pan.
NOTE: Prior to attaching the outer tie rod end to the knuckle, inspect the tie rod seal boot. If the seal boot is damaged, replace the outer tie rod end.
20. On each side of the gear, install the outer tie rod end (6) into the hole in the knuckle (2) arm. Start a NEW tie rod mounting nut (3) onto the stud. While holding the tie rod end stud with a wrench, tighten the nut with a wrench or crowfoot wrench. Tighten the nut to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.).
21. On each side of the vehicle, install the tire and wheel assembly (1). Install and tighten the wheel mounting nuts (3) to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
22. Lower the vehicle.
23. Remove the steering wheel holder.
24. Verify the front wheels of vehicle are in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position.
25. Center the intermediate shaft (2) over the steering gear pinion shaft (4), lining up the ends, then slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering gear pinion shaft.
26. From center, rotate the steering wheel to the right until the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) can be easily installed.
27. Install the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Tighten the bolt to 42 Nm (31 ft. lbs.).
28. Reposition the floor carpet (1) in place.
29. Fill and bleed the power steering system Power Steering System Bleeding.
30. Check for fluid leaks.
31. Perform wheel alignment as necessary Service and Repair.