Steering Gear: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
New O-ring seals must be installed any time the power steering lines are disconnected from the steering gear.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
- Remove the 4 skid plate bolts and the skid plate, if equipped.
- Remove the bolt and disconnect the lower steering column shaft.
- Remove the 2 oil drip shield bolts and the drip shield.
- Remove the power steering line clamp plate bolt and disconnect the power steering high pressure line.
- Discard the O-ring seal.
- Disconnect the power steering return line.
- Discard the O-ring seal.
- Loosen the 2 outer tie-rod end lock nuts.
- Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
- Using the special tool, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles and remove the outer tie-rod ends.
- Remove the 2 steering gear bracket-to-crossmember nuts.
- Remove the 2 steering gear bracket-to-crossmember bolts.
- Remove the 2 steering gear bracket-to-gear nuts.
- Remove the 2 steering gear bracket-to-gear bolts.
- Remove the steering gear.
- Remove the steering gear through the LH wheel opening.
NOTE:
Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the lower shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
NOTE:
New O-ring seals must be installed any time the lines are disconnected from the steering gear.
NOTE:
Note the number of times the outer tie-rod ends turn for reference during assembly.