Steering Gear: Service and Repair

1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then siphon power steering fluid from remote power steering reservoir
2. From interior of vehicle, remove retaining pin from intermediate shaft coupler pinch bolt, then the pinch bolt from intermediate shaft coupler.
3. Separate intermediate shaft coupler from gear shaft.
4. Raise and support vehicle, then remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
5. Remove nuts attaching both outer tie rod ends to steering knuckles.
6. Using remover tool No. MB-991113, or equivalent, remove both tie rod end studs from steering knuckles.

Fig. 6 Front Suspension Crossmember Front To Back Locating Mark (Part 1 Of 2):

Fig. 6 Front Suspension Crossmember Front To Back Locating Mark (Part 2 Of 2):

7. Using an awl, scribe a line on body marking the front to back installed location where front suspension crossmember is mounted on each side of vehicle.

Fig. 7 Front Suspension Crossmember Side To Side Locating Mark:

8. Using an awl, scribe a line on front suspension crossmember marking side to side installed location where front suspension crossmember is mounted against body on both sides of vehicle.
9. Remove stabilizer bar bushing clamp to body attaching bolts only.
10. Remove three ABS control unit bolts, then secure unit to body for suspension crossmember removal. Do not let unit hang by brake tubes.
11. Remove bolts attaching shock absorber clevis to left-hand and right-hand lower control arms.
12. Remove two bolt attaching engine support bracket to front suspension crossmember.
13. Position a suitable jackstand under center of front suspension crossmember.
14. Remove from both sides of vehicle front two bolts attaching front suspension crossmember to frame rail of vehicle, then the rear attaching bolts.
15. Using jackstand, lower front suspension crossmember enough to allow steering gear to be removed from crossmember. Ensure crossmember is supported by jackstand to avoid damage.
16. Drain power steering fluid, pressure and return hoses from power steering gear assembly.
17. Disconnect power steering harness connector from fluid reservoir switch.

Fig. 8 Steering Gear Rear Mounting Isolator Bolts:

Fig. 9 Steering Gear Front Mounting Isolator Bolts:

Fig. 10 Steering Gear Saddle Bracket Mounting Bolts:

18. Remove two bolts at isolators attaching steering gear assembly to front suspension crossmember, then the two bolts attaching steering gear saddle bracket to front suspension crossmember.
19. Remove steering gear assembly.
20. Reverse procedure to install.