Steering Gear: Removal

All vehicles 

1. 1.
   
   If installing a new steering gear, connect the scan tool and upload the module configuration information from the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). Refer to Module Configuration .

1. 2.
   
   
   NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).

   Install a holding device to hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.

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1. 3.
   
   Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to Wheels and Tires .

1. 4.
   
   
   NOTE: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while disconnected from the gear or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated, remove and recenter the clockspring. Refer to Supplemental Restraint System .

   Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.

   • Discard the bolt.

1. 5.
   
   Remove the 2 stabilizer bar link upper nuts.
   • Discard the nuts.

1. 6.
   
   Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts and separate the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckle.

1. 7.
   
   Remove the 4 retainers and the underbody shield, if equipped.

1. 8.
   
   Remove the 2 RH engine splash shield-to-subframe pin-type retainers.

Vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine 

1. 9.
   
   Remove the RH and LH exhaust flexible pipes. Refer to Exhaust System .

All vehicles 

1. 10.
   
   Remove the 2 front and rear roll restrictor-to-subframe bolts.

1. 11.
   
   Position the Powertrain Lift under the subframe.

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1. 12.
   
   Remove the 2 front subframe rearward bolts, the 4 support bracket bolts and the 2 subframe support brackets.
   • Loosen the 2 front subframe forward bolts.

1. 13.
   
   Lower the subframe to gain access to the steering gear.

1. 14.
   
   Remove the flap heat shield bolt an position the flap heat shield to access the EPAS electrical connectors.

1. 15.
   
   Remove the wiring harness bracket bolt and position the bracket and ground wire aside.

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1. 16.
   
   Disconnect the 2 Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors and the wiring retainer.

1. 17.
   
   
   NOTE: Position the stabilizer bar to the full up position.

   Remove the 2 steering gear bolts.

   • Remove the steering gear from the RH side of the vehicle.