Steering Gear - Installation

INSTALLATION

1. Install steering gear back in vehicle using reverse order of removal through the left front wheel opening.
2. Lower vehicle to height where under hood can be reached as well as under car.

NOTE: Front wheel dynamic toe pattern is critical in controlling a vehicle's directional stability as the vehicle's suspension moves through normal jounce and rebound travel. Front wheel dynamic toe pattern is adjusted by raising or lowering the mounting height of the steering gear. This is accomplished through the use of shims. When installing a steering gear, in order to maintain the correct front wheel toe pattern of the vehicle, install the same thickness shim as was removed. If not, front wheel dynamic toe will need to be checked and adjusted accordingly. Otherwise, the only time front wheel toe pattern is required to be checked or adjusted is if the frame of the vehicle has been damaged.
Shims (available in various sizes) are mounted between the steering gear and its mount. A maximum of 11 mm (0.43 in. or 7/16 in.) shimming is allowed between the steering gear and its mount.





CAUTION: Install original toe pattern shims (3) in original locations when steering gear is installed in vehicle.

3. Align steering gear (4) with mounts on frame. From top, install two steering gear mounting bolts (1) and washers (2) through gear and start driver side bolt into nut on frame. Do not tighten bolt at this time.





4. Reach underneath and start special nut (2) on passenger side mounting bolt (1). Do not tighten bolt at this time.






NOTE: Shims (3) installed between steering gear and frame mounts must be oriented with their open ends along the axis of the gear, that is, facing either left or right. Shims are never to be installed with their open ends facing to the front or rear of the vehicle.

5. Slide original size toe shims (3) onto mounting bolts between gear and frame mounts and align as indicated in preceding note.
6. Tighten steering gear mounting bolts (1) to 203 Nm (150 ft. lbs).

7. Raise and support vehicle. Service and Repair









8. On each side of vehicle, install outer tie rod end to steering knuckle (5). Install a NEW tie rod nut (3). Tighten nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).

9. Install tire and wheel assemblies Tires and Wheels - Installation. Progressively tighten wheel mounting nuts in proper sequence to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
10. Lower vehicle.




11. Install power steering pressure hose (1) and return hose (2) in steering gear fluid ports. Tighten hose tube nuts to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).










12. Align intermediate shaft (2) with steering gear shaft (3). Slide intermediate shaft coupling onto steering gear shaft until bolt hole is properly aligned. It may be necessary to use a soft (brass) drift and hammer to tap the coupling into place.
13. Install coupling pinch bolt. Tighten pinch bolt to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).

14. Install air cleaner housing. Air Cleaner Body - Installation
15. Remove steering wheel holder.
16. Connect battery (-) negative cable to battery negative post.

CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid in power steering system. Only use Mopar(R) Power Steering Fluid or equivalent.

17. Fill and bleed power steering system. Power Steering System Bleeding
18. Check for leaks at all hose connections.
19. Check wheel alignment and adjust toe as necessary. Service and Repair