REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
| WARNING | Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operatio around steering column. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy. |
Removal
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Loosen hose clamp and remove suction hose. On 1.6L engine, if equipped with A/C, remove A/C compressor. Remove reservoir with outlet hose from vehicle. Remove fitting from power steering pump and from power steering gear inlet hose. Remove 2 gaskets and power steering gear inlet hose from pump.
- Disconnect electrical connector from power steering pump pressure switch. Remove power steering pump drive belt. Remove pump from vehicle.
Installation
Note. Inlet and outlet hoses must not be twisted during installation. DO NOT bend or distort inlet or outlet hoses to make installation easier. Failure to follow these procedures could result in component damage.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust belt. See ADJUSTMENTS . Refill power steering fluid, bleed system and check for leaks.
- Set steering wheel and front tires in a straight ahead position. Turn key to lock position and remove key. CAUTION: When performing service on or near SIR components or SIR wiring, disable SIR system. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Failure to follow correct procedure could cause air bag deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.
- Using a syringe, remove power steering fluid from reservoir. Raise and support vehicle. Remove skid plate. Remove left outer tie rod from knuckle. Use a universal steering linkage puller to remove left and right outer tie rod ends from knuckle. Place a drain pan or a suitable container under steering gear.
- Remove fasteners and gaskets from power steering gear inlet pipe/hose. Remove power steering gear inlet pipe/hose. Loosen hose clamp and remove power steering fluid reservoir hose. Plug power steering hoses in order to keep fluid from escaping. Remove intermediate steering shaft clamp bolt and disconnect lower steering shaft.
- Place match marks on pinion shaft and steering gear housing for reference. Remove fasteners and steering gear with insulators and brackets from vehicle. Remove brackets and insulators from steering gear. Place a match mark, using paint, on left and right inner tie rod thread indicating position of left and right tie rod lock nut. Loosen tie rod lock nuts and remove tie rod ends from inner tie rods.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure match marks on pinion shaft and steering gear are aligned. Tighten retaining nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Refill system with fluid. Bleed system. Check for leaks.