Steering Rack (RWD) - Remove and Replace: Remove
- Raise and support the vehicle. See RAISE VEHICLE - 2 POST LIFT .
- Remove the wheel cap, if equipped. See CAP - WHEEL (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Loosen the lug nuts.CAUTION: Use only hand tools to remove or install the fasteners. Do not use impact or power tools.CAUTION: Use a 6 point socket. Do not use a 12 point socket or a specialty socket.
- Open all doors and fully lower all windows.
- Remove the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See SEAT CUSHION - LOWER - 2ND ROW (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Move the driver seat rearward.
- Set the steering wheel straight ahead.
- Using the steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel into position.CAUTION: Protect the seat from damage.
- Remove the rear underhood apron. See UNDERHOOD APRON - REAR (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Remove the cabin intake duct. See DUCT - CABIN INTAKE (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Disconnect 12V power. See 12V/LV POWER (DISCONNECT AND CONNECT) .
- Remove the underhood storage unit. See UNDERHOOD STORAGE UNIT (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Remove the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 13 mm socket
- Slide the electric steering column upward to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
Tip: Wiggle the steering column or use a deadblow hammer for ease of removal.
- Remove the front wheels. See WHEEL (REMOVE AND INSTALL) .
- Remove and discard the nut that attaches the RH tie rod end to the RH front suspension knuckle, and then remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 3 in extension
- Loosen the jamb nut to the LH outer tie rod end.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- Combination 12pt 21 mm wrench
- Wheel alignment torque wrench kit
- Remove and discard the nut that attaches the LH tie rod end to the LH front suspension knuckle, and then remove the tie rod end from the knuckle.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 3 in extension
- Remove the LH outer tie rod end from the steering gear assembly.NOTE: Record the number of turns during removal.
- Lower the vehicle to a comfortable working height.
- Use an open-ended wrench to rotate clockwise to fully compress the LH side of the steering gear assembly.
- Remove the fasteners that attach the underhood storage unit reinforcement bracket to the vehicle, and then remove the bracket from the vehicle.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
- 2 in extension
- Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.NOTE: Recommend an assistant to support the cooling fan module assembly.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 8 mm socket
- Move the cooling fan module assembly away from the steering gear assembly.NOTE: Take care not to damage the surrounding components.
- Release the connector locks, disconnect the steering gear assembly connectors, and then move the 12V steering gear harness aside for clearance.
- Release the connector locks, and then disconnect the logic connectors below the steering gear.
- Remove the outer bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
Tip: Depending on the dimension of the bolts used. Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 13 mm socket
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- 11 in extension
or
- 15 mm socket
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- 11 in extension
- Remove the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
- 6 in extension
- Slide the steering gear assembly to the RH side of the vehicle to remove it through the underhood storage area.