Removal Procedure
- Disconnect the battery. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
- Remove 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 tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the front compartment insulator, if equipped Front Compartment Insulator Replacement .
- Remove the engine shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement .
- Remove the underbody brace - front. Refer to Underbody Brace Replacement - Front .
- Remove the exhaust front pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement .
- Loosen the steering linkage outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
Remove and DISCARD the lower stabilizer shaft link nut (2) on both sides.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link (1) from the stabilizer shaft.
Remove the 4 fasteners (1) of the engine side cover on both sides.
Remove the 4 fasteners (1) of the front engine compartment cover.
Remove the front (1) and the rear (2) transmission mount bracket bolts.
- Support the drivetrain and front suspension frame with a suitable hydraulic jack.
Remove the 2 rear suspension frame bolts (2).
Remove the rear frame reinforcements (1).
- Carefully lower the front suspension frame assembly. Lower the suspension frame max. 55 mm (2.165 in). Bent the engine side cover aside.
- NOTE:
Connector latches are difficult to access.
Disconnect electrical connector (3).
- Release the lock (2) by moving in direction of the arrow, using a suitable screwdriver.
- Push down the latch (1) and pull off the electrical connector, using a suitable screwdriver.
Disconnect the electrical connector (2).
- Gently lift the latch (3), using an angled screwdriver.
- Pull off the electrical connector (2).
- Disconnect the electrical connector (1).
- Gently lift the latch (4), using the angled screwdriver.
- Pull off the electrical connector (1).
Carefully disconnect the 2 wiring harness plugs (3) from the steering gear with a suitable tool.
- Remove the 2 wiring harness bracket bolts (4).
- Remove the bracket (2) from the vehicle.
- Remove the wiring harness retainer (1) from the steering gear.
Remove and DISCARD the 2 right stabilizer shaft (1) insulator clamp bolts (2).
Suspend the stabilizer shaft (1) to the body.
Remove and DISCARD the 2 steering gear bolts (4) and nuts (1, 3) from the front suspension frame.
- Carefully remove the steering gear (2) through right wheel house.
- Replace assembly parts if necessary:
- Replace the outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
- Replace the steering linkage inner tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement .
- Replace the steering gear boot. Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement .