Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Steering Gear











Removal and Installation

1. WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in Fire Suppression System. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.





3. CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the steering column is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered.

From the engine compartment, remove the steering column shaft-to-steering gear coupling bolt and detach the shaft from the steering gear.
^ To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

4. NOTE: The hex holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.

Remove the nuts and detach the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
^ To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

5. CAUTION: New O-ring seals must be installed any time the lines are disconnected from the steering gear or a leak may occur.

Remove the steering line clamp plate bolt and disconnect the pressure and return lines.
^ Discard the O-ring seals.
^ To install, tighten to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft).
6. If equipped, disconnect the variable assist electrical connector from the steering gear.
7. Remove the steering gear-to-crossmember nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
8. Remove the steering gear-to-crossmember studs and the steering gear.
^ To install, tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).

9. NOTE: When connecting a fitting with an O-ring seal, a new seal must be installed.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Fill the power steering system.

10. WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to Fire Suppression System. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.