Steering Gear Replacement

Steering Gear Replacement


Tools Required
* J 44015 Steering Linkage Installer
* SA91100C Tie Rod Separator



Removal Procedure


Notice: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

* The steering column
* The intermediate shaft
* The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.

1. Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible if equipped with hydraulic power steering (HPS).
2. Place drain pans under the vehicle as needed if equipped with HPS.
3. Remove the front tire/wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .




4. Remove both steering linkage outer tie rod nuts (1) and discard them.

Notice: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

5. Use separatorSA91100C to separate the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.




6. Remove the steering shaft coupling bolt (1) and disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear.




7. Remove the stabilizer shaft link nuts (3) and disconnect the stabilizer shaft links (1) from the stabilizer shaft (2).
8. Remove the steering gear bolts and nuts.
9. Rotate the stabilizer shaft to provide clearance for the steering gear.




10. Remove the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) if equipped with HPS.





Important: Do not reuse the old O-Ring seals.


11. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet hose (2) and the power steering cooler hose (1) from the steering gear if equipped with HPS.
12. Maneuver and remove the steering gear through the left wheelhouse opening.



Installation Procedure

1. Maneuver the steering gear into the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening. Make sure that the steering gear bushings are centered in the frame.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .


Important: Hand start all steering gear bolts and nuts before finalizing any torques.


2. Install the steering gear bolts and nuts.

Tighten the bolts to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).





3. Connect the steering shaft coupling to the steering gear and install a new steering shaft coupling bolt (1).

Tighten the bolt to 34 N.m (25 lb ft).






Important: Use NEW O-Ring seals.


4. Connect the power steering gear inlet hose (2) and the power steering cooler hose (1) to the steering gear if equipped with HPS.




5. Install the power steering gear inlet hose bracket bolt (1) if equipped with HPS.

Tighten the bolt to 9 N.m (80 lb in)





6. Connect the stabilizer shaft links (1) to the stabilizer shaft (2) and install the stabilizer shaft link nuts (3).

Tighten the nuts to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).





7. Use installer J 44015 to seat the steering linkage outer tie rods.

Tighten installer J 44015 to 40 N.m (30 lb ft)





8. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod nuts (1).

Tighten the nuts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.

9. Clean any excess fluid from the vehicle and remove the drain pans if equipped with HPS.
10. Fill and bleed the power steering system if equipped with HPS. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding (Service and Repair)
11. Install the front tire/wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
12. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment (Service and Repair) .