Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement .
- Turn the steering wheel in order to position the steering gear rack so that only 2 rack teeth and the flat surface of the rack are visible outside the steering gear housing.
- Place a soft jaw pipe wrench or soft jaw pliers on the flat surface of the steering gear rack (3) between the steering gear housing (4) and the inner tie rod housing (2).
- Place a crows foot wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod housing.
- Rotate the steering linkage inner tie rod housing counterclockwise while holding the steering gear rack stationary until the steering linkage inner tie rod separates from the steering gear rack.
CAUTION:
Do not change the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod from the steering gear. Changing the steering gear preload adjustment before moving the inner tie rod could result in damage to the pinion and the steering gear.