Removing Power-Steering Gear

Information 

Do not loosen front-axle cross member completely.

Two people are always needed for removing the steering gear.

Information 

Secure steering wheel with wheels in straight-ahead position (engage steering column lock or clamp steering wheel in center position with steering-wheel holder).

1. Disconnect universal joint from the steering gear.

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   Universal joint for steering column

   1. 1.1  Unscrew fastening screw -1-  on universal joint.
2. Remove tie rods on both sides of the vehicle from the wheel bearing housing.

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   Pressing off ball joint on tie rod

   1. 2.1  Unscrew lock nut and use a > 9546 - screwdriver  to counter at the ball-joint pin.
   2. 2.2  Coat the bellows and press-out tool with tire mounting paste to prevent damage to the bellows on the ball joint.
   3. 2.3  Press off tie-rod ball joint using > 9560-press-out tool -1-  .
3. Loosen ball joint on the level sensor linkage -1-  from the lower trailing arm on both sides of the vehicle.

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   Ball joint on level sensor

4. Remove front-axle cross member.

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   Front-axle carrier

   1. 4.1  Support the front-axle cross member with a hydraulic lift (use a hard rubber base or wooden block).
   2. 4.2  Unscrew fastening screws -7-  .
   3. 4.3  Loosen fastening screws -5-  on the power-steering gear, but do not unscrew them fully.
   4. 4.4  Unscrew fastening screws -4-  and loosen clips on the bracket for the coolant pipes.
   5. 4.5  Unscrew fastening nuts -2-  on the front-axle cross member and counter at the bolt using a Torx wrench.
   6. 4.6  Unscrew fastening screws -1 and 3-  ,
   7. 4.7  Lower the front-axle cross member as far as required until you have enough room to disconnect the plug connections for the steering gear.
5. Release the power supply connector -2-  and vehicle signal connector -3-  and detach them from the steering gear motor.

   The torque sensor connector -1-  (connector at the very top) remains connected.

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   Connectors on steering gear control unit with front-axle cross member lowered

6. Remove the steering gear by unscrewing both threaded connections -5-  from the front-axle cross member.

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   Front-axle carrier

7. Remove steering gear. To do this, get another mechanic to help you to position the steering gear so that it can be removed from the side.

   Information 

   • The tie rods can be loosened and tightened when the steering gear is installed. If the tie rods are loosened and tightened when the steering gear is removed, secure the steering gear to a suitable plate while doing this. 
   • Ensure that no damage (scoring) is caused to the rack-and-pinion. 
   • Check tie rods, tie-rod balls and bellows for signs of wear and replace them if necessary. 
   • Fit the tie rods on the rack-and-pinion before installing the steering gear. 
   • Check that the bellows are seated correctly to prevent water from leaking in. 

1. Convert tie rods on the steering gear (tie-rod balls remain fitted on the tie rods) and replace if necessary

   > WM, 487919 REMOVING AND INSTALLING TIE ROD 

2. Convert bellows on the steering gear and replace if necessary

   > 485319 REMOVING AND INSTALLING BELLOWS FOR STEERING-GEAR HOUSING