Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Steering Gear

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.

1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

3. NOTE: The hex holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.

Remove the 2 tie-rod end nuts and disconnect the tie-rod ends from the steering knuckles.
^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).

4. NOTE: Whenever the power steering lines are disconnected, new O-ring seals must be installed.

Remove the power steering line clamp plate bolt.
^ Rotate the clamp plate and disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the steering gear.
^ Discard the 2 O-ring seals.
^ To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

5. CAUTION: Make sure that the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp is retained in the open position when removing and installing the clamp, boot bearing or boot assembly.

CAUTION: Make sure the end tabs of the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp do not contact the boot after installation.

CAUTION: Make sure the intermediate shaft boot bearing is properly seated in the retention groove before installing the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp. The outer bearing race must not be seen protruding from the groove.

Release the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp from the intermediate shaft boot.
^ Using a suitable tool, open the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp and release the boot from the intermediate shaft.
^ Retain the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp in the open position.





6. CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the lower 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.

Remove the intermediate shaft-to-steering gear bolt.
^ Discard the bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
7. Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and bolts.
^ Remove the steering gear from the left side of the vehicle.
^ Discard the nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 117 Nm (86 ft. lbs.).

8. NOTE: Whenever the power steering lines are disconnected, new O-ring seals must be installed.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Fill the power steering system.
^ Check and adjust the front toe.