Steering Gearbox Removal

Special Tools Required 

Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL00200

Note these items during removal:

• Using solvent and a brush, wash any oil and dirt off the valve body unit, its lines, and the end of the gearbox. Blow dry with compressed air.
• Be sure to remove the steering wheel before disconnecting the steering joint. Damage to the cable reel can occur.

1. Raise the front of vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
2. Remove the front wheels.
3. Remove the driver's airbag and the steering wheel (see Steering Wheel Removal  ).
4. Remove the driver's dashboard lower covers.
5. Remove the steering joint bolts, and disconnect the steering joint by moving the steering joint (A) toward the column.
   Fig 1: Removing Steering Joint

   
6. Remove the air cleaner (A) and resonator (B).
   Fig 2: Removing Air Cleaner And Resonator

   
7. Open the heater valve cable clamp, and disconnect the heater valve cable. Remove the heater valve (A) from the bulkhead, and move it aside.
   Fig 3: Removing Heater Valve

   
8. Above the steering gearbox, remove the feed line clamp (A).
   Fig 4: Removing Feed Line Clamp

   
9. Disconnect the feed line (A) and return line (B) from the valve body unit.
   Fig 5: Disconnecting Feed Line And Return Line

   
10. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie rod ball joint nut (B), and loosen the nut.
    Fig 6: Removing Cotter Pin From Tie Rod Ball Joint Nut

    
11. Separate the tie-rod ball joint and damper steering arm using the special tool (see BALL JOINT REMOVAL ).
12. Under the steering gearbox, remove the return hose clamp.
    Fig 7: Removing Return Hose Clamp

    
13. Remove the engine wire harness (A) from the harness bracket (B).
    Fig 8: Removing Engine Wire Harness From Harness Bracket

    
14. Remove the steering rack guard (C) by removing the three clips.
15. Remove the steering gearbox attaching nut and washer on the right gearbox mounting bracket.
    Fig 9: Removing Steering Gearbox Nuts

    
16. Remove the steering gearbox attaching bolts and washers on the left gearbox mounting bracket.
    Fig 10: Removing Steering Gearbox Bolts

    
17. Pull on the steering gearbox to free it from the mounting stud (A) on the right gearbox mounting bracket (B). Remove the three mounting bolts and bracket.
    Fig 11: Removing Gearbox Mounting Bracket

    
18. Lower the steering gearbox, and rotate it so the pinion shaft points upward.
19. Carefully move the steering gearbox (A) and tie-rods (B) as an assembly toward the passenger's side until the pinion shaft clears the heater hoses. Remove the steering gearbox through the wheel well opening on the passenger's side.
    Fig 12: Moving Steering Gearbox And Tie-Rods

    
20. Remove the pinion shaft grommet (C) from the top of the valve body unit.