Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Steering Gear

Special Tool(s):

Material:

Removal and Installation

CAUTION: When repairing the power steering system, care should be taken to prevent the entry of contaminants or premature failure of the power steering components can result.

CAUTION: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems.

5.4L engine
1. Remove the 4 nuts and the strut tower cross brace.





2. Remove the air cleaner outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to Fuel Delivery and Air Induction.
3. Install the special tool.





4. Remove the LH engine mount nut.
^ To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs).





5. Install the special tool.
^ Using the special tools, raise the LH side of the engine to gain clearance for removal of the power steering pressure line clamp plate bolt and the steering gear mounting bolt.





All vehicles
6. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
7. Remove the 2 nuts from the tie-rod ends. Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
^ To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs).





8. CAUTION: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems.

Remove the steering column coupling-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the coupling from the steering gear.
^ Discard the bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs).

9. CAUTION: When installing the pressure and return lines to the steering gear, make sure the lines are fully seated into the steering gear prior to installing the clamp plate. Additionally, make sure that the clamp plate surfaces are free of foreign material and debris. DO NOT exceed the specified torque when tightening the clamp plate. Failure to follow these instructions may result in leakage and/or premature failure of the power steering components.

NOTE: New O-ring seals must be installed anytime the power steering lines are disconnected from the steering gear.

Remove the power steering line clamp plate bolt, rotate the clamp plate and disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines.
^ Discard the O-ring seals.
^ To install, tighten to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs).





10. Remove the 2 pressure line bracket bolts and position the pressure line aside.
^ To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs).





11. Remove the 2 bolts and the steering gear.
^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs).
12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
13. Fill the power steering system.
14. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.