Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Steering Gear - Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

















Removal and Installation

All vehicles

NOTICE: When repairing the power steering system, care should be taken to prevent the entry of foreign material or failure of the power steering components may result.

1. Remove the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.

2. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key.
- Rotate the steering wheel until the steering column locks into position.

4.0L engine

3. Remove the power steering fluid cooler. For additional information, refer to Power Steering Fluid Cooler Service and Repair.

All vehicles

4. Remove and discard the outer tie-rod end cotter pins and nuts.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

- Install new cotter pins.

5. NOTICE: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the Tie-Rod End Remover.

NOTE: Remove the adapter from the ball end of the Tie-Rod End Remover. Apply a small amount of grease to the tie-rod end stud and the ball of the Tie-Rod End Remover.

Using Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel spindles.





6. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System Service and Repair.

Remove the lower steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the lower steering column shaft from the gear.

- Discard the bolt.

- To install, tighten the new bolt to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

7. Remove the steering line clamp plate nut and disconnect the pressure and return lines.
- Discard the O-ring seals.

- To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).

8. Plug or cap the return line, pressure line and the steering gear ports to prevent the entry of dirt.

9. NOTICE: Hold the tops of the steering gear studs to avoid damaging the steering gear fluid transfer tubes.

Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and the 2 steering gear studs.

- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

10. Remove the steering gear.

11. If necessary, remove the outer tie-rod ends.

12. NOTICE: New O-ring seals must be installed any time the power steering lines are disconnected from the steering gear or a fluid leak may occur.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

- Install new power steering line O-ring seals and cotter pins.

13. Fill the power steering system. For additional information, refer to Steering System Power Steering System Filling.

14. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe.