Removal and Replacement

Part 1 Of 2:

Part 2 Of 2:

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

WARNING: Before removing the steering gear, refer to Service Precautions and Air Bag Module and Clock Spring. Center the front wheels. Failure to do so may damage the SRS clock spring and render the SRS system inoperative, risking serious injury.

CAUTION:
^ 1: Indicates parts which should be temporarily tightened, and then fully tightened after placing the vehicle horizontally and loading the full weight of the engine on the vehicle body.
^ 2: Indicates parts which should be temporarily tightened, and then fully tightened with the vehicle on the ground in the unladen condition.
^ During maintenance, take care not to contact the parts or tools to the caliper because the paint of caliper will be scratched. And if there is brake fluid on the caliper, wipe it off quickly.

REMOVAL SERVICE POINTS
[[A]] LOWER ARM ASSEMBLY REMOVAL





Lift the transaxle with a transmission jack, and then withdraw the front mounting bolt on the left lower arm assembly.

[[B]] SELF LOCKING NUT (TIE ROD END AND KNUCKLE CONNECTION) DISCONNECTION

CAUTION:
^ Do not remove the nut from ball joint. Loosen it and use special tool MB991897 to avoid possible damage to ball joint threads.
^ Hang special tool MB991897 with a cord to prevent it from falling.





1. Install special tool MB991897 as shown in the figure.





2. Turn the bolt and knob as necessary to make the jaws of special tool MB991897 parallel, tighten the bolt by hand and confirm that the jaws are still parallel.

NOTE: When adjusting the jaws in parallel, make sure the knob is in the position shown in the figure.

3. Tighten the bolt with a wrench to disconnect the tie rod end.

[[C]] FRONT AXLE NO.1 CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL





Retain the crossmember with a transmission jack, and then remove the crossmember mounting bolt.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINTS
]]A[[ JOINT COVER GROMMET INSTALLATION





Align the joint cover grommet notch (arrow A) with the steering gear lug (arrow B), and then install the steering joint cover to the steering gear.

INSPECTION
STEERING GEAR TOTAL PINION TORQUE CHECK

Required Special Tool:
^ MB991006: Preload Socket

CAUTION: hen holding the steering gear in a vice, secure its mounting positions. If it is secured in any other place, the gear housing may become deformed or damaged.





1. Using special tool MB991006, rotate the pinion gear at the rate of one rotation in approximately 4 to 6 seconds to check the total pinion torque.
Standard value: 0.8 - 1.8 Nm (7.1 - 15.9 inch lbs.)
[Change in torque: 0.49 Nm (4.3 inch lbs.) or less]

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 tote/ pinion torque again.

2. If the total pinion torque cannot be adjusted to within the standard range by adjusting the rack support cover, rack support spring, or rack support, replace any parts if Once

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: 8 - 27 N (1.8 - 6.1 lb) [1.5 - 4.9 Nm (13.2 - 43.4 inch lbs.)]
3. If the measured value exceeds the standard value, replace the tie rod.
4. If the measured value is below the standard value, the tie rod can be re-used if it swings smoothly without excessive play.

TIE ROD END BALL JOINT DUST COVER CHECK
1. Check the dust cover for cracks or damage by pushing it with your finger.
2. If the dust cover is cracked or damaged. replace the tie rod end.

NOTE: Cracks or damage of the dust cover may damage the ball joint. If it is damaged during service work, replace the dust cover.