Disassembly And Assembly: Gear: Disassembly
NOTE:
The steering gear (3504) is serviced as a long rack assembly. Only the front wheel spindle tie-rods (3280) and front suspension steering ball stud dust seals (3332) can be serviced separately.
- Install the steering gear into the special tools.
- Clean the exterior of the steering gear with solvent. If necessary, drain any excess power steering fluid.
- Inspect the steering gear housing for cracks and other damage. If necessary, install a new steering gear.
- Verify the power steering gear input shaft bearing rotates freely. If necessary, install a new steering gear.
- Place an alignment mark on the tie-rod ends (3A130), nuts and front wheel spindle tie-rods (3280). Remove the tie-rod ends and nuts.
- Remove the clamps and the two front suspension steering ball stud dust seals.
- Discard any clamps that are damaged or excessively corroded.
- Discard any front suspension steering ball stud dust seals that are damaged.
- Place the steering gear at the center position. Using a suitable open end wrench and an adjustable wrench, remove the front wheel spindle tie-rods.
- Remove the steering gear from the special tools.
CAUTION:
Use care not to damage the front suspension steering ball stud dust seals. If the front suspension steering ball stud dust seals are damaged, this will allow contamination into the steering gear and cause leakage.
CAUTION:
Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an adjustable wrench on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and prevent damage to the steering gear during removal and installation of the front wheel spindle tie-rods.