Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Steering Gear

Special Tool(s):

Special Tool(s)

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist.








2. Remove the components in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.

3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
4. Fill, purge and leak test the system.
5. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.

Item 6: Intermediate Shaft Removal Note
1. Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered.

Item 13: Outer Tie-Rod Removal Note





1. Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
^ For reference during installation, count the turns required to remove the tie-rod.

Item 18: Steering Gear Removal Note

NOTE: On 4x4 vehicles, the following steps (LH lower arm only) must be carried out to provide clearance to remove the steering gear.

1. CAUTION: Do not tighten the LH lower arm inboard mounting nuts until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies. Make sure to tighten the forward flag bolt and nut before tightening the rearward nuts.




Remove the nut and bolt.
^ Discard the nut.





2. Remove and discard the nuts.





3. Remove the bolt and flag nut.
^ Discard the flag nut.





4. Remove the nut and stabilizer bar link.





5. Remove the steering gear.