Steering Gearbox

Removal and Installation

Special Tools Required
Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL00200

Removal
Note these items during removal:
- Using solvent and a brush, wash any oil and dirt off 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.

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the radio preset buttons. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
2. Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
3. Remove the front wheels.
4. Remove the driver's airbag.
5. Remove the steering wheel.





6. Place a mark (A) on the steering joint (B) and the pinion shaft (C) to identify the position of the joint on the pinion shaft.
7. Remove the lower joint bolt (D) from the steering joint.
8. Loosen the upper joint bolt (E) on the steering joint, and pull the steering joint fully to the steering shaft (F) side.





9. From the under the dashboard; loosen the joint bolt (A) on the column, and pull the steering shaft (B) fully to the column side.





10. From the engine compartment; disconnect the steering joint (A) and pinion shaft (B) by moving the steering joint toward the steering shaft (C).





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





13. Remove the seven clips (A) and the two flange bolts (B), then remove the splash shield (C).





14. Remove the stabilizer bar holder brackets (A) from the frame, and lower the stabilizer bar (B).





15. Disconnect the ground cable (A) and motor 2P connector (B). Loosen the harness band (C), and release the wire harness (D) from the gearbox. After disconnecting the connector, put a piece of tape over the steering gearbox connector to protect it from dust, dirt, and foreign materials.





16. Disconnect the torque sensor 3P connector (A). After disconnecting the connector, put a piece of tape over the steering gearbox connector to protect it from dust, dirt, and foreign materials.








17. Remove the four gearbox mounting bolts.





18. Pull the steering gearbox toward the front. Move the steering gearbox to the passenger's side and remove it.

Installation
1. Before installing the gearbox, center the steering rack within its stroke.





2. Pass the driver's side of the steering gearbox through the left wheel housing. Place the steering gearbox on the front subframe, and move it into the original position.








3. Install the four gearbox mounting bolts.





4. Connect the torque sensor 3P connector (A).





5. Connect the motor 2P connector (A) and ground cable (B). Secure the wire harness (C) with the harness band (D).





6. Raise the stabilizer bar (A) to the original position, and install the stabilizer bar holder bracket (B).





7. Install the splash shield (A) with the seven clips (B) and two flange bolts (C).





8. Wipe off any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered section and threads. Then reconnect the tie-rod ends (A) to the steering knuckles (B), and tighten the 12 mm nut (C) to the specified torque.
9. Install the new cotter pins (D), and bend them.





10. From the engine compartment, slip the lower end (A) of the steering joint (B) by aligning the marks (C) on the pinion shaft (D) and joint.





11. From the under the dashboard, push the steering shaft (A) fully to engine compartment side, but do not push excessively on the steering shaft. Then tighten the joint bolt (B) to the specified torque.





12. Line up the bolt hole (A) with the groove around (B) the pinion shaft, and install the lower joint bolt (C) and the upper joint bolt (D) to the specified torque.
US thru VIN JHMAP 114.YT008411
Canada thru VIN JHMAP 114-YT800750
Torque: 22 Nm (2.2 kgf-cm, 16 ft. lbs.)
US from VIN JHMAP 11 4YT008412
Canada from VIN JHMAP 114.YT800751
Torque: 29 Nm (3.0 kgf-cm, 22 ft. lbs.)
13. Install the steering wheel.
14. Install the driver's airbag.
15. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
16. Install the front wheels, and adjust the front wheel alignment.
17. After installation, perform the following checks.
- Make sure the steering gearbox wires are not caught or pinched by any parts.
- Make sure the steering gearbox connectors are properly connected.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and check that the EPS indicator goes off.
- If you replaced the steering gearbox assembly, let the EPS control unit memorize the torque sensor neutral position.
- Test-drive the vehicle;
- Check that the EPS indicator light does not come on.
- Check the steering wheel spoke angle. Recheck and adjust the front wheel alignment, if necessary.
- Reset the radio presets.
- For '01 - '05 models, reset the clock.