Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Place a drain pan under the vehicle.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower pinch bolt from the power steering gear stub shaft.
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the power steering gear stub shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column-Tilt.
- Remove both of the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
- Support the rear of the frame (3) using jackstands.
- Remove the frame bolts from the rear of the frame. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
- Lower the rear of the frame (3).
- Remove the following components from the power steering gear:
- Remove the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector from the power steering gear assembly, If the vehicle is equipped with variable effort steering.
- Remove both sway bar links and rotate sway bar in order to remove the power steering gear mounting bolts from the frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in front suspension
- Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1),(4).
- Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
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.
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.
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.
Notice: Do not lower the rear of the frame too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.
| • | The power steering pressure line. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement . |
| • | The power steering return hose. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement . |
Installation Procedure
- Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
- Install the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1),(4).
- Install both sway bar links. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in front suspension
- Inspect the threads on the power steering pressure line and the power steering return hose fittings.
- Inspect the O-ring seals on the power steering lines.
- Replace the seals if damaged, lubricate the seals before installation.
- Install the following components to the power steering gear:
- Raise the frame (3).
- Install the NEW rear frame bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
- Remove the jackstands.
- Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
- Install the intermediate steering shaft to the power steering gear stub shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column-Tilt.
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tire and Wheels.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Fill the power steering system. Refer to Refilling the Power Steering System .
- Bleed the air from the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .
- Inspect the power steering system for leaks. Refer to Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks .
- Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
- Preform a front end alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
Tighten
Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 80 N·m
(59 lb ft).
| • | The power steering pressure line. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement . |
| • | The power steering return hose. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement . |
| • | Install the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector to the power steering gear assembly, If the vehicle is equipped with variable effort steering. |
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.
