Disassembly

Fig.12 Exploded View Of Rack And Pinion Steering Gear:

Disassemble rack and pinion in numbered sequence shown, noting the following:
1. Separate tab washers from inner tie rods using a chisel, then remove inner tie rods and tab washers.
2. Remove rack support cover locknut, then the rack support cover using torque wrench socket tool No. MB990607-A, or equivalent.
3. Gently tap pinion with a plastic hammer to remove.
4. Remove oil seal and ball bearing simultaneously from valve housing using a suitable socket to drive out.
5. Remove rack stopper circlip by turning rack stopper clockwise until end of circlip comes out of slot in gear housing. When end of circlip comes out of notched hole of housing, turn rack stopper counterclockwise and remove circlip.
6. Pull rack out slowly while simultaneously removing rack stopper and bushing.
7. Use a suitable brass drift to remove pinion lower bearing, oil seal and needle bearing.
8. Use a suitable pipe to remove to remove back-up washer and oil seal from housing.