Power Steering Gear Replacement
Power Steering Gear Replacement
Tools Required
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
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 assemblies.
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: 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.
Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.
4. Remove the lower pinch bolt from the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
5. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
6. Remove the intermediate steering shaft (1) from the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
7. Remove both of the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
8. Support the rear of the frame (3) using jackstands.
9. 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.
10. Lower the rear of the frame (3).
11. Remove the power steering pressure hose from the power steering gear.
12. Remove the power steering return hose from the power steering gear.
13. Remove the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector from the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
14. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1, 4).
15. 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 90 N.m (66 lb ft).
3. Inspect the threads on the power steering pressure hose and the power steering return hose.
4. Inspect the O-ring seals on the power steering hoses.
5. Replace the seals if damaged, lubricate the seals before installation.
6. Install the clamp that holds the power steering hoses to the power steering gear.
7. Install the Magnasteer Variable Assist electrical connector to the power steering gear assembly, if equipped with variable effort steering.
8. Install the power steering pressure hose to the power steering gear.
9. Install the power steering return hose to the power steering gear.
10. Raise the frame into position (3).
11. Install rear frame bolts.
12. Remove the jackstands.
13. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
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.
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.
14. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
15. Install the intermediate steering shaft (1) to the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
16. Install the lower pinch bolt to the intermediate steering shaft at the power steering gear stub shaft.
Tighten the pinch bolt to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).
17. Install the intermediate steering shaft seal onto the power steering gear.
18. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
19. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Remove the J 42640 from the steering column.
22. Fill the power steering system with power steering fluid. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid.
23. Bleed the power steering system.
24. Inspect the power steering system for leaks.
25. Preform a front end alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.