Removal and Installation

Steering Gear

Special Tools:

Special Tool(s)

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

Removal

All Vehicles

1. Turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn 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 tool, separate the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.

6. NOTE: For assembly reference, count and record the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod ends.





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 subframe approximately 102 mm (4 inches).

Vehicles equipped with a 3.0L 4V DOHC engine





12. Remove the bolts and the bracket/heat shield.

Vehicles equipped with a 3.0L 2V MFI engine





13. Disconnect the power steering pressure switch electrical connector.

All vehicles





14. Loosen the fittings and disconnect the hoses.
- Discard the seals.

15. Remove the steering gear through the left fender well.





16. Using the special tool, install new seals 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 check the system.

19. Check and adjust front toe as necessary.