Removal and Installation

Fig. 40 Removing Power Steering Gear. ES 250:

Refer to Fig. 40 when replacing power steering gear, noting the following:
1. Disable airbag system as described under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.

Fig. 45 Securing Steering Wheel:

2. Disconnect universal joint as follows:
a. Position front wheels facing straight ahead.
b. Using seat belt of driver's seat, fix the steering wheel so that it does not turn, Fig. 45.
c. Place alignment marks on universal joint and control valve shaft.
d. Loosen upper universal joint bolt and remove lower universal joint bolt, then disconnect universal joint.
3. Disconnect tie rod end using ball joint puller tool No. 09628-62011 or equivalent. On LS 400 models, it may be necessary to move the disc brake caliper assembly to get necessary clearance to remove the tie rod end.

Fig. 46 Moving Gear Assembly Through RH Body Hole:

4. On ES 250 models, proceed as follows:
a. Raise up front of engine using suitable jack stand. Do not overtilt the engine.
b. Remove gear mounting bolts and brackets.
c. Slide gear to righthand side to put the righthand tie rod end into the body panel, Fig. 46.
d. Pull gear out through the opening in the lower lefthand side of vehicle body. Do not damage the turn pressure tube and transmission control cables.
e. Remove grommets from gear housing.
f. Using rack and pinion steering rack housing stand tool No. 09612-00012 or equivalent, secure gear in a vise.
g. Remove union bolt, return tube and two gaskets.
h. Remove union bolt, pressure tube and gasket.
i. When installing pressure and return tubes, use new gaskets.
5. On ES 300, disconnect and connect pressure and return tubes using power steering hose nut wrench set 09631-22020 or equivalent.

Fig. 47 Installing Power Steering Gear Assembly. ES 250:

6. On all models, when connecting universal joint, set gear housing so that it matches the dimensions shown in Fig. 47, with gear housing at the center point.
7. Align marks made during removal and connect universal joint.