Removal Procedure
- Disconnect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Turn the front wheels to the straight forward position and secure the steering wheel from moving.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
- Perform the following steps in order to gain access to the steering gear. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement
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- Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.
- Remove the catalytic converter.
- Remove the front compartment insulator.
- Disconnect the 2 steering linkage outer tie rods from the 2 steering knuckles.
- Disconnect the 2 stabilizer shaft links.
- Remove the transmission mount bracket bolts.
- Support the drivetrain and front suspension frame.
- Remove the rear frame bolts.
- Remove the frame reinforcement bolts and the frame reinforcements.
- Lower the drivetrain and front suspension frame 55 mm (2 in).
- Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
- Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
- Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
- Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
- Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:
- Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
- Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.
- Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of TVs, radios, or other electrical devices.
- Disconnect the electrical connectors. Refer to FEP Connectors (Steering Gear) .
- Use a suitable tool in order to carefully disconnect the 2 wiring harness plugs (3) from the steering gear.
- Remove the 2 wiring harness bracket bolts (4).
- Remove the bracket (2).
- Disconnect the wiring harness retainer (1) from the steering gear.
- Remove and DISCARD the 2 right stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts (2).
- Reposition the stabilizer shaft (1) in order to gain clearance for the steering gear.
- Remove and DISCARD the 2 steering gear bolts (4) and the nuts (1, 3) from front suspension frame.
- Carefully remove the steering gear (2) through the right front wheel house.
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:
Connector latches are difficult to access.