Steering Gear Case Assembly Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Suzuki SX4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Failure to take proper precautions before starting the procedure below can result in damage to the contact coil of the air bag system. Before starting the procedure below, set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position and then remove the ignition key from the key cylinder to lock the steering wheel.

Remove steering joint cover.
Make alignment marks (1) on pinion shaft (2) and joint of steering lower shaft (3) for a guide during reinstallation.
Loosen joint bolt (steering column side) (4) and remove joint bolt (pinion shaft side) (5) and disconnect steering lower shaft (3) from pinion shaft (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Gear Case Assembly Components
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Disconnect torque sensor connector and P/S motor connector from steering gear case.
Remove front suspension frame with steering gear case from vehicle referring to FRONT SUSPENSION FRAME, STABILIZER BAR AND/OR BUSH REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (2WD MODEL) or FRONT SUSPENSION FRAME, STABILIZER BAR AND/OR BUSH REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (4WD MODEL) , and then remove steering gear case from front suspension frame.