Steering Gear Case Assembly Removal and Installation: Removal

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.

Take out fluid in P/S fluid reservoir with syringe or such.
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 then disconnect steering lower shaft (3) from pinion shaft (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Gear Case Assembly Components
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Disconnect high pressure pipe (1) and low pressure return hose (2).

Fig 2: Disconnecting High Pressure Pipe And Low Pressure Return Hose
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
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.
Remove cylinder pipes (3) and (4) from steering gear case, using flare nut wrench.
NOTE: As fluid flows out of disconnected joints, put a receptacle under joints or a plug to pipe.
Disconnect high pressure pipe (1) and low pressure return hose (2) from steering gear case, using flare nut wrench.
NOTE: As fluid flows out of disconnected joints, have a container under joints or a plug to pipe.

Fig 3: Disconnecting High Pressure Pipe And Low Pressure Return Hose From Steering Gear Case
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.