Rack and Pinion Assembly Removal and Installation: Installation

Install the rack and pinion assembly on the crossmember. 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: Locating Alignment Mark Position
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install the bolts and nuts on the steering gear mounting bracket.
Tighten:

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

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Gear Mounting Bracket Bolts And Nuts
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Install the return line into the clip on the crossmember.
Tighten:

Tighten the return line clip bolt to 8 N.m (71 lb-in).
On vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle, position the transaxle center bracket in place and install the bolts securing the bracket to the engine and the transaxle.
Tighten:

Tighten the transaxle center bracket-to-transaxle bolts and the transaxle center bracket-to-engine bolt to 80 N.m (59 lb-ft).
On vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle, install the transaxle center bracket. Refer to TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Install the crossmember. Refer to CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

Fig 3: Identifying Return Line Clip Bolt
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: Identifying Outer Tie Rod Nuts
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Install the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
Tighten:

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

Fig 5: Identifying Intermediate Shaft Pinch Bolt
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Connect the power steering gear fluid inlet and outlet pipe.
Tighten:

Tighten the steering gear inlet and outlet pipe fitting to 28 N.m (21 lb-ft).
Perform a front toe adjustment. Refer to FRONT TOE ADJUSTMENT .
Install the wheels. Refer to WHEEL REMOVAL AND 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 Bleeding the Power Steering System .
Connect the negative battery cable.

Fig 6: Identifying Power Steering Gear Fluid Inlet And Outlet Pipe
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.