Removal Procedure
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:
- Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
- Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
- Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
- Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
- Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:
- Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
- Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.
- Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.
During removal and installation, the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping or prying on the electric belt drive motor controller module and/or electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear may cause damage. If damage occurs, the electric belt drive motor controller module and/or electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear will need to be replaced.
Care must be taken during removal and installation of the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear to not hit or break the electric belt drive motor controller module or module harness connectors. If the module or connectors are damaged, the electric belt drive motor controller module will need to be replaced.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
- Remove Steering Gear Skid Shield Steering Gear Skid Shield Replacement
- The wiring harness and extension harness are NOT repairable. Do NOT attempt to repair the harnesses under any circumstances. If either harness is damaged then that harness MUST be replaced.
- Once the wiring harness and extension harness are removed, the harness retainers CANNOT be reused. Use NEW harness retainers only and place the NEW harness retainers in the same position and orientation as the old harness retainers. A NEW harness will come with NEW harness retainers already in place.
- Remove the extension harness ground screw (1) from the rear of the steering gear.
- Remove the wiring harness and extension harness retainers (2) from the steering gear.
- Disconnect the wiring harness connectors (1) and extension harness connector (2) from the power steering assist motor.
- Unscrew the steering gear belt access plug (1) from the steering gear housing.
- Remove the power steering assist motor bolts (1).
DISCARD the bolts.
- Remove the power steering assist motor (1) and power steering assist motor seal (2).
DISCARD the seal.
- Inspect the steering gear housing and the power steering assist motor shaft for signs of water intrusion or corrosion.
If signs of water intrusion or corrosion are present, replace the entire steering gear. Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement
- Inspect the steering gear belt for damage. If the belt is damaged, replace the steering gear. Electric Belt Drive Rack and Pinion Steering Gear Replacement
Water intrusion or corrosion can cause premature power steering assist motor failure. If signs of water intrusion or corrosion are present, replace the entire steering gear.