Removal Procedure
- Remove the steering gear. Refer to Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement
- Remove the lower control arm crossmember. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Crossmember Replacement .
- Drain the differential carrier. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
Remove the wiring harness from the differential carrier (1 and 2), if needed.
Remove the electrical connector (1) from the actuator motor.
Remove the differential carrier vent hose (1).
Remove the wheel drive shaft mounting bolts (1).
- Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement .
- Support the differential carrier with a transmission jack.
Remove the right differential carrier mounting nuts and washers (1).
Remove the left differential carrier mounting bolts (1).
With the aid of an assistant, pivot the differential carrier forward and down to remove it from the vehicle.
- Remove the differential carrier assembly (1) from the vehicle.
During removal or installation of light duty front axle assembly, exercise caution to avoid damage to the electric steering gear assembly or in particular to the steering gear boot. Steering gear malfunction, repair or replacement could result.
If removing the differential carrier assembly to service other components, it is not necessary to drain the differential carrier.
Loosen the upper steering rack bolts.