Section 6 (Steering System): Gear: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Before proceeding. Refer to FRONT, WARNING .

NOTE:

If equipped, removal of the power transfer unit may be necessary in order to remove the steering gear Refer to REMOVAL .

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Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), disconnect the IBS connector first before disconnecting the negative battery cable.
Using a steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating. This keeps the clockspring in the proper orientation.
Remove pinch bolt (3) and separate intermediate shaft (1) from steering gear shaft (2).

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Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to REMOVAL .
Remove the engine belly pan
Refer to BELLY PAN, REMOVAL .

NOTE:
Repeat STEP 7 to STEP 14 on opposite side of vehicle.
While holding the stabilizer bar link stud stationary, remove the nut securing the link (1) to the stabilizer bar.

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Remove the outer tie rod end (8) from the knuckle. Refer to TIE ROD, STEERING, REMOVAL .
Remove the ball joint to control arm retaining nut (4). Discard the nut; it is not to be reused.
Using (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint)separate the ball joint stud from the control arm.

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NOTE:
Use care when separating the ball joint stud from the knuckle so the ball joint boot does not get cut

NOTE:
After separating the control arm from the knuckle, do not let it swing rapidly back up, this can tear the ball joint dust boot.
Insert a pry bar (1) in the opening between the control arm front mounting bolt and the front fascia support beam.
Pry down on the control arm (2) until the ball joint stud is clear of the control arm, then push the knuckle assembly to the side when it is clear of the ball joint stud and slowly release the control arm.

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Remove the four bracket retaining bolts (1) from the cross member to fascia support beams bracket, then remove the bracket.

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Remove the fasteners (2) securing the lower bumper reinforcement (1) and front fascia support beams to the frame/front end module.

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Remove the front fascia support beams.

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Disconnect the downstream oxygen sensor harness connector.
Remove the exhaust extension pipe.
Disconnect the harness connectors (2) at the steering gear control module (1).

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Disconnect the steering gear connector (1) from the body harness connector at the bottom of the dash panel.
Separate the steering gear harness from the crossmember by removing the tie strap (2) from the crossmember.
Remove the rear engine mount.
NOTE:
Before lowering the front suspension crossmember, 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 position of the cross member with a grease pencil or equivalent.

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Support the crossmember with a transmission jack, or equivalent.
Remove the upper mounting bolt (1) from each side of the crossmember.

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Remove the four rear mounting bolts (1, 3) that secure the crossmember (2) to the vehicle
Slowly lower the crossmember with the jack and remove from the vehicle.

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Remove the steering rack mounting fasteners (1) and remove the steering rack from the crossmember.