Steering Gear and Lower Column - Steering GEAR Assembly, LHD - Remove And Replace: Remove
- Raise and support the vehicle. See RAISE VEHICLE - 2 STANDS .
- Remove the wheel center caps (x2) of both front wheels.
- Loosen the lug nuts.CAUTION: Use only hand tools to break the lug nuts loose. Power tools should only be used to remove the lug nuts after they have been loosened.CAUTION: Use a 6 point socket. Do not use a 12 point socket or a specialty socket.
- Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
- Set the steering wheel straight ahead.
- Using the steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel into position.WARNING: The video(s) included in this procedure are meant as an overview for supplemental purposes only. Follow all of the steps listed in the procedure to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.multimedia:A supplement to the article is available.
- Remove the underhood storage unit. See EXTERIOR FITTINGS - LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT TRIM - FRONT LUGGAGE STORAGE COMPARTMENT - FRUNK ASSEMBLY - REMOVE AND REPLACE .
- Remove the front wheels. See WHEEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVE AND INSTALL .
- Remove the radiator from the vehicle. See FAN AND RADIATOR - RADIATOR - REMOVE AND REPLACE .
- Lower the vehicle to a comfortable working height and set the lift onto locks.
- Disconnect the connector and the clip that attach the front drive unit front subframe harness to the vehicle.
- Release the clip that secures the radiator outlet hose to the vehicle.
- Disconnect the steering gear assembly connectors (x4).
- 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
- Ratchet/torque wrench
- Slide the electric steering column upward to remove it from the steering gear assembly.
- Loosen the jamb nuts (x2) to the LH and the RH outer tie rod ends.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- Combination wrench 12pt 21 mm
- Combination wrench 12pt 14 mm
- Wheel Alignment Torque Wrench Kit
- Remove and discard the nuts (x2) that attach the LH and the RH front tie rod ends to the LH and the RH front suspension knuckles, and then remove the both tie rod ends from the knuckles.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- Cordless 1/2 in Dr Impact
- 22 mm deep socket
- 1/2 in to 3/4 in adapter - 1717365-00-A
- Ratchet/torque wrench
- Rotate the LH tie rod end counter-clockwise to remove it from the steering gear assembly.NOTE: Record the number of turns during removal.
- Hold the RH tie rod end and pull it outward fully.
- Rotate the RH tie rod end counter-clockwise to remove it from the steering gear assembly.NOTE: Record the number of turns during removal.
- Remove the outer bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- 11 in extension
- 15 mm socket
- Remove the inner bolts (x2) that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- Ratchet/torque wrench
- 6 in extension
- 18 mm socket
- 3 in extension
- With assistance, slide the steering rack assembly fully towards the RH side of the vehicle, and then remove it from the vehicle.CAUTION: Be careful around the AC lines and the superbottle.NOTE: Lift the LH inner tie rod up first, and then maneuver the rest of the rack outward, avoiding the AC lines and surrounding components.
Make sure the LH side of the coolant hose is below the LH inner rod to ease removal.