Rack and Pinion Assembly Installation

Install the rack and pinion assembly from below. The steering gear must be in a straight-ahead position, and the steering wheel spokes must be vertical and pointing to the left. Align the marks on the shafts to ensure proper positioning. Seat the stub shaft into the intermediate shaft.

Fig 1: Installing Rack And Pinion Assembly
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Connect the SSPS solenoid valve connector.

Fig 2: Connecting SSPS Solenoid Valve Connector
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install the nuts and bolts on the steering gear mounting bracket.
Tighten

Tighten the steering gear mounting bracket bolts and nuts to 60 N.m (44 lb-ft).

Fig 3: Installing Nuts And Bolts On Steering Gear Mounting Bracket
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Connect the tie rod ends to the strut assembly.
Install the outer tie rod nuts.
Tighten

Tighten the outer tie rod nuts to 50 N.m (37 lb-ft).

Fig 4: Installing Outer Tie Rod Nuts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb-ft).

Fig 5: Installing Lower Intermediate Shaft Pinch Bolt
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Connect the power steering gear fluid inlet pipe.
Tighten

Tighten the steering gear inlet pipe fitting to 28 N.m (21 lb-ft).

Fig 6: Connecting Power Steering Gear Fluid Inlet Pipe
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Connect the hose to the power steering gear fluid outlet pipe.
Install the wheels. Refer to "WHEEL INSTALLATION ".
Lower the vehicle.
Do a straight-ahead check. Refer to "STRAIGHT-AHEAD CHECK ".
Refill the power steering system and check for leaks. If leaks are found, correct the cause of the leak and bleed the system. Refer to "CHECKING AND ADDING FLUID ", "POWER STEERING SYSTEM LEAK TEST " and "BLEEDING THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM ".
CAUTION: When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use power steering fluid DEXRONO(R)-II or III or equivalent. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
Connect the negative battery cable.

Fig 7: Connecting Hose To Power Steering Gear Fluid Outlet Pipe
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.