Steering Gear: Removal

NOTE: The power steering gear cannot be repaired or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak occurs, complete steering gear must be replaced. When removing center cap from wheel DO NOT use a sharp or hard tool. Use of such a tool can mare finish on wheel and damage center cap.

Position key cylinder in lock position. Rotate steering wheel 1/2 turn to left to engage steering column lock. Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery and isolate cable.
Using a siphon pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from power steering fluid reservoir. Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a hoist.
Remove center cap from wheel. Center cap is removed by inserting a trim stick into notch on center cap and prying it off wheel. See Figure. Remove wheels and tires from vehicle. Remove 3 nuts mounting front fender brackets to steering knuckles. See Figure.
Remove both front fenders from steering knuckles. Remove nut and washer attaching outer tie rod to steering knuckle. See Figure. Nut is removed using following procedure. Hold tie rod end stud from rotating with a 11/32 socket while loosening and removing nut with a wrench. See Figure.
Remove outer tie rod ends from steering knuckles using Puller (ST C-3894-A). See Figure. Install Roll Pin Remover (ST 6831A), through center of roll pin on intermediate steering shaft coupler at steering gear. See Figure.
Remove roll pin from intermediate steering shaft coupler using following procedure. Using a wrench, hold threaded bolt on Roll Pin Remover (ST 6831A) from rotating. See Figure. Using a second wrench, tighten nut against sleeve of special tool. This will pull roll pin out of coupler on intermediate steering shaft.
Remove intermediate steering shaft from steering gear by sliding it off input shaft. Remove power steering fluid pressure hose and return hose from steering gear. See Figure. Remove 2 bolts and flag nuts, mounting steering gear to frame brackets. See Figure. Remove steering gear from vehicle.