Steering Gearbox Removal

Steering Gearbox Removal

Special Tools Required
^ Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL00200
^ Front subframe adapter EQS02BMDXSB0

Note these items during removal:
^ Using solvent and a brush, wash any oil and dirt off the valve body unit, it's lines, and the end of the gearbox. Blow dry with compressed air.
^ Be sure to remove the steering wheel before disconnecting the steering joint. Damage to the cable reel can occur.
^ Lower the front subframe from the body and remove the steering gearbox through the gap produced by lowering the front subframe.

1. Drain the power steering fluid.
2. Record the customer's radio station preset, then disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the driver's airbag assembly.
4. Remove the steering wheel.





5. Remove the steering joint cover (A).





6. Remove the steering joint bolts, disconnect the steering joint by moving the steering joint (A) toward the column.





7. Remove the center guide (A) (if equipped), and discard it. The center guide is for factory assembly use only.





8. Disconnect the pump outlet hose (A) from the power steering pump, and remove the clamp (B).





9. Remove the 10 mm flange bolts (A) on the engine side mount bracket (B).
10. Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
11. Remove the front wheels.





12. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the 12 mm nut (B), and loosen the nut.
13. Separate the tie-rod ball joint and knuckle using the special tool.





14. Remove the front suspension subframe stiffener plate (A).





15. Remove the three self-locking nuts, and disconnect the under-floor three-way catalytic converter (TWC) (A) from the muffler (B).





16. Remove the 10 mm flange bolts from the exhaust rubber mount (A).





17. Disconnect the power steering pressure (PSP) switch connector (A).





18. Remove the propeller shaft protector (A).





19. Remove the splash shield (A).
20. Attach the special tool to the front suspension subframe and the transmission jack or the powertrain lift.





21. Make sure the front suspension subframe (A) is securely supported by the jack with the special tool (B).





22. Loosen the two 14 mm flange bolts (A) on the front suspension subframe so they are about 30 mm (13/16 inch) from the mounting surface. Do not loosen the 14 mm flange bolts more than necessary.





23. Remove the four 12 mm flange bolts (A) from the front suspension subframe front brackets (B).





24. Support the front suspension subframe securely by raising the transmission jack, then remove the 12 mm flange bolts (A) on the right and left of the vehicle.
25. Remove the two 14 mm special bolts (B) and front suspension subframe rear brackets (C) on the right and left of the vehicle.





26. Lower the transmission jack slowly until the front suspension subframe has dropped about 50 mm (1 15/16 inch).





27. Remove the P/S line mounting brackets (A) from the front suspension subframe and gearbox mounting bracket.





28. Loosen the 14 mm flare nut (A), and disconnect the feed line (B).
29. Loosen the adjustable hose clamp (C) and disconnect the return hose (D).





30. Remove the two 10 mm flange bolts from the right side of the steering gearbox, then remove the mounting bracket (A) and cushion (B).





31. Remove the two 10 mm flange bolts from the left side of the gearbox.





32. Lower the transmission jack slowly until the front suspension subframe has dropped 100 mm (3 15/16 inch) total.





33. Remove the gearbox stiffener bracket (A) from the left side of the front suspension subframe.





34. Slide the steering gearbox (A) between the body and front suspension subframe toward the left, and remove the steering gearbox.