Steering Gear
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Dodge Avenger and 2013 Chrysler 200. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Before proceeding. Refer to WARNING .
- Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir.
- Reposition the floor carpeting to access the intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the column.
- Position the front wheels of vehicle in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) at the base of the column can be accessed.
- Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Do not separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear pinion shaft (4) at this time.
- Return the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) to the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating. This keeps the clockspring in the proper orientation.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- On each side of the vehicle, remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1).
- On each side of the gear, remove the nut (3) from the out tie rod end (6) at the knuckle (2).
- On each side of the gear, separate the outer tie rod end (1) from the knuckle (3) using Remover (special tool #9360, Remover, Ball Joint) (2).
- If equipped, remove the engine belly pan.
- Remove the rear engine mount. Refer to INSULATOR, ENGINE MOUNT, REAR, REMOVAL for 2.4L or INSULATOR, ENGINE MOUNT, REAR, REMOVAL for 3.6L.
- Remove the front engine mount through-bolt.
- Remove the two bolts (5) fastening the fore/aft crossmember (4) to the lower radiator support (3).
- Remove the four bolts (1) fastening the fore/aft crossmember to the front crossmember. Remove the fore/aft crossmember.
- Remove the screws (1) securing the power steering hose routing clamps (2) to the rear of the crossmember.
- Unscrew the tube nut (2), then remove the return hose (1) at the steering gear.
- Unscrew the tube nut (3), then remove the pressure hose (4) at the steering gear.
- Remove the screws and push-pins securing the heat shield (1) over the right side of the steering gear (2). Remove the shield.
NOTE:
Before removing the front suspension crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the crossmember must be marked on the body of the vehicle. Do this so the crossmember can be relocated, upon reinstallation, against the body of vehicle in the same location as before removal. If the front suspension crossmember is not reinstalled in exactly the same location as before removal, the preset front wheel alignment settings (caster and camber) may be lost.
- Mark the location of the front crossmember (9) on the body near each mounting bolt.
- Support the crossmember (9) with a transmission jack.
- Remove the four mounting bolts (6) securing the front crossmember (9) to the body.
- If equipped, remove the mounting screws (8) securing the front crossmember reinforcement brackets (7) (one each side of vehicle) to the body (1). Remove the brackets.
- If equipped, remove the mounting screws (1) securing the front crossbrace/reinforcement bracket (2) to the body (1). Remove the bracket.
- Using the jack, slowly lower the crossmember enough to access the intermediate shaft coupling (1) at the steering gear pinion shaft (4). Slide the coupling off the pinion shaft.
- Remove the dash seals (3, 5) as necessary.
- Remove the two bolts (1) securing the steering gear (2) to the crossmember.
- Remove the steering gear from the crossmember.