Power Steering Gear: Overview Dodge Durango II

DESCRIPTION

A rack and pinion steering gears is made up of two main components, the pinon shaft and the rack. Other components are the outer tie rod ends (3&5), inner tie rod ends (1&2) and the boots (4). The gear cannot be adjusted or internally serviced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear must be replaced as an assembly. The only serviceable component on the steering gear is the outer tie rod ends (3&5).

Scheme 1

OPERATION

The steering column shaft is attached to the gear pinion. The rotation of the pinion moves the gear rack from side-to-side. This lateral action of the rack pushes and pulls the tie rods to change the direction of the front wheels.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible from the pump.
2. Lock the steering wheel.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the front tires.
5. Remove the nuts (1) from the tie rod ends (3).
6. Separate tie rod ends (2) from the knuckles with Puller 8677 (1) (Refer to «TIE ROD END»(ref-212825-S17772259912005122700000) ).
7. Remove the steering gear pinch bolt (2).
8. Remove the lower steering coupling (1) from the steering gear (3).
9. Turn the steering gear to the full right position.
10. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe (3) 3.7L & 4.7L engines only .
11. Remove the power steering lines from the gear. (Refer to «HOSES»(ref-212826-S33976814922005122700000) ).
12. Remove the front crossmember (2) .
13. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts (4), washers (5) and nuts (6).
14. Tip the gear (7) forward to allow clearance and move to the right then tip the gear downward on the left side to remove from the vehicle.