Removal and Installation

Steering Gear





Special Tool(s)

Removal and Installation

NOTE: New Teflon seals must be installed any time the lines are disconnected from the steering gear.

All vehicles
1. Turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn to the right and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.





3. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.





4. Remove and discard the cotter pins and nuts.





5. CAUTION: Do not damage the tie rod end boot when installing the special tool.

Using the special tools, disconnect the tie-rod ends.





6. NOTE: Note the number of times the tie-rod ends turn for assembly reference.

Remove the tie-rod ends.





7. Position the boot out of the way.





8. Remove the bolt and disconnect the intermediate shaft coupling. Discard the bolt.





9. Remove and discard the nuts.
10. Support the rear of the front subframe with jack stands.





11. Remove and discard the bolts. Lower the rear of the front subframe approximately 102 mm (4 inches).

Vehicles equipped with a 3.0L 4V DOHC engine





12. Remove the bolts and the bracket with the heat shield attached.

Vehicles equipped with a 3.0L 2V MFI engine





13. Remove the bolt and detach the bracket from the steering gear.

All vehicles





14. Loosen the fittings and disconnect the hoses.
- Discard the seals.
15. Remove the steering gear out of the left fender well.





16. Using the special tool, install new seals (388898-S) on the power steering hose fittings.
17. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Center, and then turn the steering gear input shaft 1/4 turn to the right to make sure the intermediate shaft coupling will fit correctly on the input shaft.
- Guide the steering column intermediate shaft coupling on the steering gear input shaft as the subframe is raised into position.
- Use new fasteners.
18. Fill and leak check the system.
19. Check and adjust front toe as necessary.