Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING GEAR LEAKAGE AREAS

NOTE: Do not service the Steering Gear, if the gear is leaking it must be replaced with a new gear assembly.





1. Possible power steering gear leakage areas..

REMOVAL

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.

1. Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position with the steering wheel centered and locked.
2. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible.
3. Remove the bumper shield.
4. Remove power steering hoses/tubes from steering gear.
5. Remove the column coupler shaft from the gear.
6. Remove pitman arm from gear.





7. Remove the steering gear retaining bolts and remove the gear.

INSTALLATION
1. Install steering gear on the frame rail and tighten bolts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).
2. Align and install the pitman arm and tighten nut to 251 Nm (185 ft. lbs.).
3. Align the column coupler shaft to steering gear. Install a new coupler pinch bolt and tighten to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).
4. Install power steering hoses/tubes to steering gear and tighten to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the bumper shield.
6. Fill power steering system to proper level.