Removal Procedure
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Lock the steering column in the straight-ahead position.
- Place drain pans under the vehicle.
- Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible.
- Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
- Disconnect the stabilizer shaft links at the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Remove the rear propeller shaft, if equipped. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
- Remove the underbody rear side rails. Refer to Underbody Rear Side Rail Replacement .
- Remove the frame brace. Refer to Frame Brace Replacement .
- Remove the right side catalytic convertor. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side .
- Remove the steering gear heat shields. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
- Position adjustable jack stands underneath the left and right sides of the vehicle at the rear of the front frame.
- Remove the left and right front frame reinforcement mounting bolts (1).
- Loosen the front frame reinforcement mounting bolts (1).
- Loosen the front frame mounting bolts (2).
- Loosen the front frame rear mounting bolts (1).
- Lower the front frame (1) from the frame rail (2) until enough clearance is gained to remove the steering gear.
- Remove the power steering gear inlet hose retaining plate bolt (1).
- Disconnect the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses from the steering gear.
- Remove the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip bolt (2).
- Separate the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses from the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip.
- Remove the left side steering gear nuts (1) and bolts (2).
- Remove the right side steering gear bolts (1).
- Remove the steering gear from the vehicle toward the left side of the vehicle.
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 become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.