Steering System: Gear: Removal

NOTE:

Review all Warnings and Cautions. Refer to WARNING .

Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery and isolate cable.
Secure steering wheel in STRAIGHT-AHEAD position using a steering wheel holder.
Remove air cleaner housing. Refer to BODY, AIR CLEANER, REMOVAL .
Siphon power steering fluid from fluid reservoir.

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Remove power steering pressure hose (1) and return hose (2) from steering gear (3).

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1 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT EXTENSION

2 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT

3 - STEERING GEAR SHAFT

Remove coupling pinch bolt securing intermediate shaft (2) to steering gear shaft (3).
Slide intermediate shaft (2) to off steering gear shaft (3). If necessary, a brass drift and hammer can be used to tap coupling and intermediate shaft off steering gear shaft.
NOTE:
Front wheel dynamic toe pattern is critical in controlling a vehicle's directional stability as the vehicle's suspension moves through normal jounce and rebound travel. Front wheel dynamic toe pattern is adjusted by raising or lowering the mounting height of the steering gear. This is accomplished through the use of shims. When installing a steering gear, in order to maintain the correct front wheel toe pattern of the vehicle, install the same thickness shim as was removed. If not, front wheel dynamic toe will need to be checked and adjusted accordingly. Otherwise, the only time front wheel toe pattern is required to be checked or adjusted is if the frame of the vehicle has been damaged.

Shims (available in various sizes) are mounted between the steering gear and its mount. A maximum of 11 mm (0.43 in. or 7/16 in.) shimming is allowed between the steering gear and its mount.

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CAUTION:
Retain toe pattern shims (3) when steering gear (4) is removed. Shims need to be installed in original location when steering gear is installed to maintain proper toe pattern.

Before removing mounting bolts (1), note the amount of shims (3) installed between the steering gear and each mount. When installing steering gear, the same amount of shims MUST be installed to maintain the required toe pattern.
Remove two bolts (1) mounting steering gear (4) in place. Use care not to lose shims.
Raise and support vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

Remove front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to REMOVAL .

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1 - UPPER BALL JOINT COTTER PIN

2 - LOWER BALL JOINT COTTER PIN

3 - TIE ROD NUT

4 - LOWER BALL JOINT NUT

5 - KNUCKLE (WITH HUB AND BEARING)

6 - UPPER BALL JOINT NUT

On each side of vehicle, remove nut (3) from outer tie rod end.

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1 - OUTER TIE ROD

2 - PULLER C-4150A

3 - KNUCKLE

On each side of vehicle, release outer tie rod end from knuckle using Puller, Special Tool (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint).
Remove steering gear from vehicle by sliding it out left front wheel opening forward of steering knuckle.