Removal and Replacement
CAUTION: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Before removal of steering gear box, center front wheels and remove ignition key. Failure to do so may damage SRS clock spring and render SRS system inoperative, risking serious driver injury.
Pre-removal Operation
1. Drain power steering fluid.
2. Remove stabilizer bar.
3. Follow removal steps outlined in illustration.
Removal Service Points
[A] Brake Fluid Reservoir Assembly Removal (1).
Disconnect the brake fluid level sensor connector and remove the brake fluid reservoir assembly from the dash panel with the hose still attached.
NOTE: Place the removed reservoir assembly in a place where it will not be a hindrance when removing and installing the power steering gear box, and tie it with a cord.
[B] A/C Compressor Removal (2).
Disconnect the A/C compressor connector and remove the compressor from the compressor bracket with the hose still attached.
NOTE: Place the removed A/C compressor in a place where it will not be a hindrance when removing and installing the brake fluid reservoir assembly, and tie it with a cord.
CAUTION: Do not damage the joint between the A/C hose and the A/C pipe.
[C] Tie Rod End And Knuckle Disconnection (6).
CAUTION:
1. Tie the cord of the special tool to a nearby part.
2. Loosen the nut but do not remove it.
[D] Gear Box Assembly Removal (11).
1. Remove the installation section (vehicle side) of the compression lower arm left side.
CAUTION: The compression lower arm should be suspended so that undue force is not applied to the ball joint.
2. Remove the connection between the gear box assembly and joint assembly, and remove the gear box assembly from the crossmember at the left side.
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the bellows and the tie rod end dust cover when removing the gear box assembly.
INSTALLATION
Installation in reverse order as removal, noting the following:
Post-installation Operation
1. Press the dust cover with a finger to check whether the dust cover is cracked or damaged.
2. Install stabilizer bar.
3. Adjust drive-belt tension.
4. Power steering fluid supplying.
5. Power steering fluid line bleeding. Service and Repair
6. Steering wheel position with wheels straight ahead checking.
7. Front wheel alignment adjustment.
INSPECTION
- Check the rubber parts for cracks and breakage.
Total Pinion Torque Check
Using the special tools, rotate the pinion gear at the rate of one rotation in approximately 4 to 6 seconds to check the total pinion torque.
Standard value: 0.7 - 1.4 Nm (6 - 12 inch lbs.)
[Change in torque: 0.4 Nm (3 inch lbs.)]
NOTE: When measuring, remove the bellows from the rack housing. Measure the pinion torque through the whole stroke of the rack.
If the measured value is not within the standard range, first adjust the rack support cover, and then check the total pinion starting torque again.
If the total pinion torque cannot be adjusted to within the standard range by adjusting the rack support cover, check the rack support cover, rack support spring, rack support and replace any parts if necessary.
Tie Rod Swing Resistance Check
1. Give 10 hard swings to the tie rod.
2. Measure the tie rod swing resistance with a spring scale.
Standard value: 7.8 - 27 N (1.8 - 6.2 lbs.)
[1.5 - 4.9 Nm (13 - 43 inch lbs.)]
3. When the measured value exceeds the standard value, replace the tie rod assembly.
4. When the measured value is lower than the standard value, check that the ball joint swings smoothly without excessive play. If so, it is possible to use that ball joint.
Tie Rod End Ball Joint Dust Cover Check
1. Check the dust cover for cracks or damage by pushing it with finger.
2. If the dust cover is cracked or damaged, replace the tie rod end.
NOTE: Cracks or damage of the dust cover may cause damage of the ball joint.