Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
Drain the power steering fluid.
Remove the front tires from the vehicle, using power tool.
Remove the under cover, using power tool.
On 4WD models, remove the front final drive, then support the drive shafts, using suitable wire. Refer to "UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION " (R180A), "UNIT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION " (M205).
Remove the stabilizer bar brackets and reposition the stabilizer bar. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Remove the cotter pins at the steering outer sockets.
CAUTION: Do not reuse the cotter pins.
Loosen the outer socket nuts.
Remove the steering outer sockets from the steering knuckles, using Tool, then remove the nuts.
Tool number: HT72520000 (J-25730-A)

Fig 1: Removing Steering Outer Socket From Steering Knuckle Using Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION:
- Do not damage the outer socket boots.
- Do not damage the outer socket threads. Thread the ball joint nut onto the end of the outer socket during removal.
Remove the high-pressure and low-pressure piping from the steering gear assembly, then drain the fluid from the piping.
CAUTION: Do not reuse O-ring.

Fig 2: Identifying Oil Piping (High And Low Pressure) With Steering Gear Assembly
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the pinch bolt from the lower joint shaft, then separate the lower joint from the steering gear assembly.
CAUTION:
- Do not damage the lower joint.
Fig 3: Locating Lower Joint Pinch Bolt Of Lower Joint Shaft
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the nuts and bolts of the steering gear assembly, using power tool, then remove the steering gear assembly from the vehicle.

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Gear Assembly Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.