Removal Procedure
- Place drain pans under the vehicle.
- Remove as much power steering fluid from the reservoir as possible.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Insert the J-42640 steering column lock pin (1) into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column in the straight ahead position.
- Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
- Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
- If equipped, disconnect the power steering pipe hold-downs from the crossmember.
- Disconnect the power steering cooler bolts and support the power steering cooler. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LS9) .
- Disconnect the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) bracket from the crossmember. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement .
- Remove the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to the following procedures:
- Disconnect the brake pipe bracket for the left front brake caliper from the crossmember.
- Disconnect the plastic brake pipe hold-down for the right front brake pipe.
- Remove the 2 front crossmember mounting nuts.
- Using hand tools only, LOOSEN, BUT DO NOT REMOVE, the 2 rear crossmember mounting nuts 10 mm (0.394 in).
- If equipped, disconnect the height sensor arm from the control arm.
- Use a utility stand in order to support the front of the crossmember.
- Using the J-33432-A leaf spring compressor (1), compress the leaf spring in order to allow the crossmember to lower enough to access the steering gear.
- Disconnect the power steering pressure and return hoses from the steering gear.
- Remove the lower shock mounting bolts.
- Remove the steering gear mounting bolts (3) and nuts (2).
- Maneuver the steering gear (1) around the brake pipes. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.
CAUTION:
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 became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.