Removal Procedure
- Turn the steering wheel to the straight ahead position and remove the key from the ignition.
- Turn the wheel counterclockwise in order to lock the steering column in place.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the steering gear to intermediate shaft pinch bolt and discard.
- Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
- Remove both steering gear outer tie rod to knuckle nuts and discard the nuts.
- Use the J 24319-B to separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.
- Remove the steering gear bolts.
- Remove the rear transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Rear for the 4T40-E/4T45-E automatic transaxle.
- Carefully remove the steering gear from the frame and the vehicle through the LH wheel opening.
IMPORTANT:
Do not rotate the intermediate shaft once separated from the gear. Possible damage or a malfunction could occur.
IMPORTANT:
Do not attempt to separate the joint using a wedge type tool.