Steering Gearbox Installation
Steering Gearbox Installation
NOTE: The illustrations show a 2WD model.
1. Before installing the steering gearbox, make sure that no power steering fluid is on the mating surface of the steering gearbox and the front subframe. To prevent the gearbox mounting bolts from loosening after the installation, remove any power steering fluid from the mount cushions and bolt holes.
2. Apply vinyl tape to the splines on the pinion shaft (A).
3. Slide the steering gearbox (B) between the front subframe and body from the driver's side.
4. Carefully move the steering gearbox toward the passenger's side until the pinion shaft clears the wheelwell opening on the body.
5. Rotate the steering gearbox so the pinion shaft (A) points upward.
6. Continue moving the steering gearbox toward the passenger's side until the steering gearbox is in position.
7. Remove the vinyl tape from pinion shaft, and install the pinion shaft grommet (A). Align the slot in the pinion shaft grommet with the lug portion (B) on the valve housing. The grommet must not have a gap at the mating surface of the grommet and valve housing.
8. Install the gearbox brackets (A), and loosely install the steering gearbox bracket mounting bolts (B).
9. Install the gearbox brackets (A) with the 10 mm flange bolts. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.
10. Loosely install the 10 mm flange bolts (A) and washers (B) on the driver's side of the steering gearbox.
11. Install the stabilizer bar bushing holder (C).
12. Loosely install the 10 mm flange bolts (A) and washers (B) on the passenger's side of the steering gearbox.
13. Install the stabilizer bar bushing holder(C).
14. Tighten the 10 mm flange bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.
15. Install the pump outlet hose clamp bolt (A), then clamp the return line with the clamps (B).
16. Install the return hose clamp bolt (A), then clamp the return hose with the clamp (B).
17. Connect the inlet line (A), and tighten the 18 mm flare nut (B) to the specified torque.
18. Install the inlet line clamp bolt (C) and return hose clamp bolt (D).
19. Connect the return hose (E) securely, and tighten the adjustable hose clamp (F) Service and Repair.
20. Install the P/S heat shield (A).
21. For '10 model: Install the under-floor TWC Under-Floor TWC Removal/Installation.
22. Install the air cleaner housing: '07-09 models, '10 model Service and Repair.
23. Wipe off any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered section and threads. Reconnect the tie-rod ends (A) to the steering knuckles. Install the 12 mm nut (B), and tighten it.
24. Install a new cotter pin (C), and bend it as shown.
NOTE: Check the boot (D) for damage and deterioration. If there is damage or deterioration, replace the boot Overhaul.
25. Center the steering rack within its stroke, then remove the vinyl tape from the pinion shaft.
26. With the rack in the straight ahead driving position, cut the wire (A), and slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft (B) in the range shown.
27. Align the bolt hole (A) on the steering joint with the groove (B) around the pinion shaft, and loosely install the joint bolt (C). Be sure that the joint bolt is securely in the groove in the pinion shaft. Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated. Tighten the steering joint bolt to the specified torque.
28. Install the steering joint cover (A).
29. Install the driver's dashboard undercover Driver's Dashboard Undercover Removal/Installation.
30. Install the front wheels, then set the wheels in the straight ahead position.
31. Install the steering wheel Steering Wheel Installationand the driver's airbag Driver's Airbag Replacement.
32. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure Procedures, and do these tasks:
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) and check that the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds and goes off.
- Make sure the horn and turn signal switches work properly.
- Make sure the steering wheel switches work properly.
33. Fill the system with power steering fluid, and bleed air from the system Service and Repair.
34. After installation, and do these tasks:
- Start the engine, allow it to idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to warm up the fluid. Check the steering gearbox for leaks.
- Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steering wheel and rack are not centered), correct the engagement of the joint/pinion shaft serrations.
- Set the steering column to the center tilt position, and to the center telescopic position, then inspect the front toe Service and Repair.