Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Steering Gear









Removal

1. Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.





2. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated, remove and recenter the clockspring. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System Service and Repair.

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





3. Remove the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to Noise, Vibration and Harshness Testing and Inspection.

4. Remove and discard the 2 outer tie rod nuts.

5. Using the Tie Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie rods from the wheel knuckles.





6. Remove and discard the 2 stabilizer bar link-to-strut nuts and disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the struts.

7. Remove the 2 subframe brace-to-body bolts.





8. Disconnect the exhaust isolator.





9. Remove the engine roll restrictor bolt.





10. Support the front subframe using a suitable transmission jack.





11. Mark the position of the subframe-to-frame mounting location at each mounting point on the vehicle frame rails to aide in installation.

12. Remove the 4 subframe bolts and discard the 2 rearward bolts.





13. Lower the front subframe approximately 155 mm (6.102 in).





14. Remove the 3 steering gear bolts and the steering gear.





Installation

1. Position the steering gear and install the 3 bolts.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

2. Raise the subframe and loosely Install the 4 subframe bolts.

3. Align the subframe to the locating marks made during removal.

4. NOTE: RH and LH dimensions are identical. All measurements on center.

Measure for correct positioning of the subframe to vehicle underbody.

1. Location 1 - 260 mm (10.236 in)

2. Location 2 - 666 mm (26.22 in)





5. Tighten the subframe bolts.

1. Tighten the forward bolts to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).

2. Tighten the new rearward bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).

- Tighten the rearward bolts an additional 240°.





6. Position the engine roll restrictor and install the engine roll restrictor bolt.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).

7. Connect the exhaust isolator.





8. Install the 2 subframe brace-to-body bolts.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).





9. Position the stabilizer bar links and install the 2 new stabilizer bar link-to-strut nuts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

10. Position the outer tie rods and install the new 2 outer tie rod nuts.
- Tighten to 53 Nm (39 lb-ft).

11. WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

Connect the steering column shaft and install a new steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt.

- Tighten to 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).





12. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Toe Adjustment - Front.