Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Power Steering)

Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Power Steering LZ4, LZ9) (3.5L, 3.9L)

Special Tools

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

Removal Procedure

1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight forward position, support it from movement, and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the tie rod end castle nuts.





Caution: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

5. Using the J 24319-B , separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.




6. Remove the intermediate shaft to steering gear pinch bolt (1). Discard the bolt.

Note: Secure the steering wheel in the straight forward position before separating the intermediate shaft from the steering gear, or damage to the SIR coil will occur.

7. Separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear (3).




8. Loosen the transaxle mount through bolt.
9. Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector.
10. Disconnect the HO2S sensor harness from the transmission mount bracket.
11. Remove the 3 transaxle mount to transaxle bolts.




12. Remove the 3 transaxle bracket to frame nuts.
13. Position the transaxle bracket and rear mount aside.




14. Remove the bolt (1) and disconnect the power steering gear inlet (2) and outlet (4) pipe/hoses from the power steering gear (3). Cap off the pipe/hoses and position aside.




15. Remove the power steering gear outlet pipe routing pin-style retainer from the right rear side of the frame.

Note: Convertible vehicles utilize a cross brace that is installed by sharing the frame mounting bolts. With the rear frame bolts removed, it allows the cross brace to have movement to gain access to the power steering gear mounting bolts.

16. Convertible vehicles, support the rear of the frame with a suitable jack stand.
17. Convertible vehicles, remove the rear frame mount bolts.
18. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts, nuts, and washers from the gear.

Note: The power steering gear will need to be rotated while it is removed through the left wheel opening.

19. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
20. If the power steering gear is to be replaced, transfer the outer tie rod ends to the new steering gear.

Installation Procedure

Note: The power steering gear will need to be rotated while it is installed through the left wheel opening.

1. Position the power steering gear into the vehicle.
2. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

3. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts, nuts and washers to the power steering gear.

Tighten the mounting bolts/nuts to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).

4. Convertible vehicles, install the rear frame mounting bolts.

Tighten the rear frame mounting bolts to 100 Nm (73 lb ft) plus an additional 180 degree rotation.

5. Convertible vehicles, remove the jack stand.




6. Install the power steering gear outlet pipe routing pin-style retainer to the right rear side of the frame.




7. Connect the power steering gear inlet (2) and outlet (4) pipe/hoses to the power steering gear (3) and install the bolt (1). Prior to tightening the retaining bolt (1), rotate the outlet pipe (4) clockwise/down so it touches the inlet pipe (2). Verify the hoses are still touching after the retaining bolt is tight.

Tighten the pipe/hose to power steering gear bolt to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).




8. Install the new intermediate steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt (1).

Tighten the pinch bolt to 49 Nm (36 lb ft).

9. Position the transaxle bracket and rear mount back to their original position.




10. Install the 3 transaxle bracket to frame nuts.

Tighten the transaxle bracket to frame nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).

11. Install the 3 transaxle mount to transaxle bolts.

* LZ4 Engines: Tighten the transaxle mount bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb ft).
* LZ9 Engines: Tighten the transaxle mount bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).

12. Connect the HO2S sensor harness to the transmission mount bracket.
13. Connect the HO2S electrical connector.




14. Tighten the transaxle mount through bolt.

* LZ4 Engines: Tighten the transaxle mount bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb ft).
* LZ9 Engines: Tighten the transaxle mount bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).

15. Position the outer tie rod ends into the steering knuckles.

Note: Hold the ball stud from turning during installation of the castle nut.

16. Install new torque castle nuts to the tie rod end ball studs.

Tighten the castle nuts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft) plus an additional 90 degree rotation.

17. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
18. Lower the vehicle.
19. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair).
20. Measure the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Service and Repair).