Steering Gear: Service and Repair

GEAR

REMOVAL
2WD
1. Siphon the power steering fluid from the power steering reservoir.

NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an internal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for service will have to be used.

2. Lock the steering wheel to prevent spinning of the clockspring.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the skid plate from under the front end to gain access to the gear.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly

NOTE: Mark the alignment adjusting cams and tie rod end jam nuts on the steering gear for easier installation.

6. Remove the tie rod end nuts.
7. Separate tie rod ends from the knuckles with Puller C-3894-A.





8. Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupler pinch bolt (1) and slide the coupler off the gear (4).





9. Remove the power steering lines (2) from the gear (1).
10. Remove the mounting bolts (5) from the gear (1) to the front cradle.
11. Remove the steering gear (1) from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION





1. Transfer the outer tie rod ends to the new steering gear (if needed).
2. Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
3. Install the gear mounting bolts (5) to the front cradle. Tighten the gear mounting bolts to 162 Nm (120 ft. lbs.)
4. Install the power steering lines (2) to the gear (1) tighten the tube nuts to 37 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the lower coupler pinch bolt (1) and slide the coupler on to the gear (4).
6. Install the tie rod end to the knuckle and tighten the nuts.
7. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
8. Install the skid plate.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Unlock the steering wheel.
11. Fill the power steering fluid.
12. Reset the toe and center the steering wheel.