Steering Gear: Notes

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Removing

-- Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key so that the steering wheel lock engages.

Vehicle with "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking and Starting System

-- Switch the ignition off and open the driver's door so the steering wheel lock locks.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the footwell trim panel -1-.

Fig 1: Identifying Footwell Trim Panel

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-- Remove the bolt -1- and remove the universal joint -2- from the steering gear.

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint

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-- Remove the front wheels.

-- Loosen nut of track rod ball joint, but do not unscrew yet.

CAUTION:

To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.

-- Press tie rod end off of wheel bearing housing using 3287 A.

Fig 3: Identifying Tie Rod End Pressed Off From Wheel Bearing Housing With Ball Joint Puller 3287A

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-- Remove lower noise insulation. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Remove the right and left nuts -1- from the coupling rods -2-.

Fig 4: Identifying Coupling Rods

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-- Remove the coupling rods -2- from the stabilizer bar -3-.

-- Remove nuts -arrows-.

Fig 5: Identifying Lower Control Arm And Bolts

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-- Remove pendulum support from transmission, unscrew bolts -14- to do so.

Fig 6: Identifying Pendulum Support

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-- Remove exhaust system bracket from subframe -arrows-.

Fig 7: Identifying Heat Shield Bolts

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-- If equipped, remove the heat shield bolts -arrows-.

Fig 8: Locating Heat Shield Bolts

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-- If equipped, remove the subframe heat shield.

-- Remove the bolts -5- and -6- on the steering gear.

Fig 9: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Bolts

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-- Remove the stabilizer bar bolts -7- and -8-.

Fig 10: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Bolts

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-- Locate the subframe and consoles. Refer to SUBFRAME AND CONSOLES, SECURING .

-- Disconnect the connector for the service interval extension to the oil pan.