Steering Gear - Removal

REMOVAL

CAUTION: Steering column module is centered to the vehicles steering system. Failure to keep the system and steering column module centered and locked/inhibited from rotating can result in steering column module damage. Procedures .





1. Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position with the steering wheel centered and locked with a steering wheel lock.
2. Drain or siphon the power steering system.
3. Remove the column coupler shaft bolt (2) and remove the shaft from the gear (3).






NOTE: The power steering lines on the 8 cylinder engines are removed from below the vehicle.

4. 6 Cylinder engine only - Remove the pressure line (2), and the return line (3) at the gear (1).





5. Raise and support the vehicle, Service and Repair.
6. Remove the front tires.
7. Loosen the tie rod end jam nuts (3).





8. Remove the oil drip tray (1), if equipped.





9. Remove the outer tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod (3) from the knuckle (4) using Ball Joint Remover 8677 (5).





10. If equipped, remove the front skid plate.
11. Remove the front splash shield (if equipped).
12. 4x4 Only - Remove the front axle Removal or Removal.
13. 8 Cylinder engine only - Remove the pressure line (2), and the return line (3) at the gear (1).





14. Remove the two steering gear mounting bolts (2).






NOTE: The tie rods would move to the right when turning the steering gear to the left.

15. Move the steering gear to the right side of the vehicle, then turn the steering gear to the full left position to allow clearance from the control arms (2) and remove the gear by lowering the left side first.
16. Remove the outer tie rod ends from the steering gear (if needed).