Power Steering Gear Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.

Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.





4. Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower pinch bolt from the power steering gear stub shaft.

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

5. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the power steering gear stub shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Column-Tilt.

Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the tie rod ends from the knuckle/strut. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the tie rod and seal.

6. Remove both of the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer.





7. Support the rear of the frame (3) using jackstands.
8. Remove the frame bolts from the rear of the frame.

Notice: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.

9. Lower the rear of the frame (3).
10. Remove the following components from the power steering gear:
- The power steering pressure line. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Hose Replacement.
- The power steering return hose. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement.
11. Remove the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector from the power steering gear assembly, if the vehicle is equipped with variable effort steering.
12. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1), (4).





13. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





2. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1),(4).
Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).
3. Inspect the threads on the power steering pressure line and the power steering return hose fittings.
4. Inspect the O-ring seals on the power steering lines.
5. Replace the seals if damaged, lubricate the seals before installation.
6. Install the following components to the power steering gear:
- The power steering pressure line. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Hose Replacement.
- The power steering return hose. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement.
Tighten the power steering lines fittings to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector to the power steering gear assembly, if the vehicle is equipped with variable effort steering.





8. Raise the frame (3).
9. Install the new rear frame bolts.
10. Remove the jackstands.
11. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer.

Important: During the installation of the intermediate steering shaft, ensure the steering shaft is seated before you install the pinch bolt. The two mating shafts may disengage if the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before the steering shaft installation.

Notice: Set steering shaft so the block tooth on the upper steering shaft is at the 12 o'clock position, the wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead and set the ignition switch to the LOCK position. Failure to follow these procedures could result in damage to the coil.





12. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the power steering gear stub shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Column-Tilt.
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Fill the power steering system. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System.
16. Bleed the air from the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System.
17. Inspect the power steering system for leaks. Refer to Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks.
18. Preform a front end alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.
19. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
20. Perform the steering angle sensor centering procedure. Refer to Steering Angle Sensor Centering Procedure in ABS.