Steering Gear

* On these models, an airbag system is installed. Make sure the steering column shaft does not rotate when removing the steering gear, otherwise you may damage the airbag system. To lock the steering column shaft, turn the ignition key to the LOCK position before starting work, or pass the seat belt through the steering wheel and fasten the seat belt buckle as usual.

Removal

PROCEDURE
1. Loosen the front wheel nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it on stands. Apply the parking brake and remove the front wheels. Remove the engine undershield.

2. If the vehicle is equipped with power steering, place a drain pan under the steering gear. Disconnect the power steering lines (indicated by arrows) and plug the line openings to prevent loss of hydraulic fluid and keep dirt out of the lines.

3. Remove the bolts securing the universal joint cover (only three bolts are visible and indicated by arrows in the illustration; in fact there are five). Remove the universal joint cover.

4. Mark the position of the universal joint relative to the steering gear input shaft and loosen the universal joint clamp bolt (indicated by arrow).
5. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle arms (see subsection 10.17).

6. While supporting the steering gear, remove the bolts securing the steering gear brackets to the body. First remove the lower bolt and upper nut (indicated by arrow) of the right steering gear bracket, then remove the nut and bolt of the left bracket.
7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear input shaft and remove the steering gear.

* Do not turn the steering wheel when removing the steering gear. If the steering wheel was accidentally turned, remove the steering wheel and adjust the clock spring (see subsection 10.16).

8. Inspect the steering gear mounting bushings for signs of excessive wear or damage. Replace them if necessary.

Installation

PROCEDURE
1. Install the steering gear and connect the universal joint, aligning the marks made before removal.
2. Install the mounting brackets and bolts and tighten them to the specified torque (see subsection 10.1).
3. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckle arms (see subsection 10.17).
4. Install the universal joint clamp bolt and tighten it to the specified torque (see subsection 10.1).
5. If the vehicle is equipped with power steering, connect the high-pressure hose and return hose to the steering gear and fill the pump reservoir with the recommended type of hydraulic fluid (see subsection 2.1).
6. Lower the vehicle to the ground and bleed the power steering system (see subsection 10.20).

Steering Gear Boot Replacement

PROCEDURE
1. Loosen the nuts, raise the vehicle and support it on stands. Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the tie rod end and locknut (see subsection 10.17).
3. Release the clamp at the outer end of the steering gear boot using pliers.
4. Cut the clamp at the inner end of the boot with cutters. Remove the boot.
5. Before installing the new boot, wrap the threads on the end of the tie rod with insulating tape to prevent damaging the new boot during installation.
6. Install the new boot on the steering gear so that its edge fits into the groove on the tie rod, and install new clamps.
7. Remove the insulating tape and install the tie rod end (see subsection 10.17).
8. Install the wheel and wheel nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque (see subsection 10.1).