- Install steering gear assembly on front suspension crossmember. Install the 2 long steering gear assembly to front crossmember mounting bolts (See Figure) and (See Figure) into the mounting isolators. Then install the 2 short bolts (See Figure) into the saddle bracket. Tighten the 4 steering gear mounting bolts to a torque of 68 N.m (50 ft. lbs.).
- Install the power steering fluid pressure and return lines on the ports of the power steering gear (See Figure). Tighten power steering fluid pressure and return lines to steering gear tube nuts (See Figure) to a torque of 31 N.m (275 in. lbs.).
- Using transmission jack, raise front suspension crossmember and steering gear against body of vehicle. Start the 2 rear bolts (See Figure) into tapping plates, attaching front suspension crossmember to body of vehicle. Then install the 2 front bolts, (See Figure) attaching front suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle. Tighten the 4 mounting bolts evenly, until front suspension crossmember is against body of vehicle at the 4 mounting points. Then torque the 4 mounting bolts to 2 N.m (20 in. lbs.) to hold front suspension crossmember in position.
CAUTION:
When front suspension crossmember is installed back in vehicle, crossmember MUST be aligned with positioning marks previously scribed into body of vehicle. This MUST be done to maintain NET BUILD front suspension alignment settings.
- Using a soft face hammer, tap front suspension crossmember into position, until it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning marks on body of vehicle (See Figure), (See Figure) and (See Figure). When front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned, torque the 2 rear crossmember mounting bolts to 163 N.m (120 ft. lbs.). Then torque the 2 front crossmember to frame rail attaching bolts to 163 N.m (120 ft. lbs.).
- Install the engine support bracket on the front of the front suspension crossmember (See Figure). Install the 2 support bracket to suspension crossmember attaching bolts and tighten to a torque of 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.).
- Install bolt (See Figure) attaching engine support bracket to transaxle mounting bracket. Tighten bolt to a torque of 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.).
- Install the 2 bolts attaching the rear support bracket, for the under engine support bracket (See Figure), to the rear of the front suspension crossmember. Tighten bolts to a torque of 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.).
- Install vehicle wiring harness connector onto power steering fluid pressure switch on steering gear assembly (See Figure). Be sure locking tab on wiring harness connector is securely latched to pressure switch.
- Install the antilock brakes hydraulic control unit mounting bracket on the front suspension crossmember. Install the 3 mounting bracket to crossmember attaching bolts and tighten to a torque of 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.).
- Loosely install the 2 shock absorber clevis to lower control arm attaching nuts and bolts (See Figure).
- Install tie rod seal boot heat shield on tie rod end (See Figure).
- Install tie rod end into steering knuckle. Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut. Then using a crowfoot and 11/32 socket, torque tie rod end attaching nut to 55 N.m (40 ft. lbs.) (See Fig 1).
- Install and tighten the 2 stabilizer bar bushing clamp to body attaching bolts (See Figure).
CAUTION:
When supporting lower control arm with jack stand, do not position jack stand under the ball joint cap on the lower control arm. Position in area of lower control arm shown in (See Fig 2).
- Lower vehicle to the ground with a jack stand positioned under the lower control arm (See Fig 2). Continue to lower vehicle so the total weight of the vehicle is supported by the jack stand and lower control arm.
- Tighten the shock absorber clevis to lower control arm bushing thru-bolt to a torque of 92 N.m (68 ft. lbs.).
- Install the wheel and tire assemblies back on vehicle. Tighten the wheel nuts in proper sequence to a torque of 129 N.m (95 ft. lbs.) (See Figure).
CAUTION:
Before connecting the steering column intermediate shaft coupler to the steering gear shaft, position the front wheels STRAIGHT-AHEAD. The steering wheel must also be in the centered position.
- Under the instrument panel, reconnect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear shaft. To do so, align the flats and slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering gear shaft aligning the pinch bolt hole with the notch formed into the steering gear shaft. Install a new pinch bolt in the intermediate shaft coupler (See Figure), then tighten the pinch bolt to a torque of 44 N.m (32 ft. lbs.)-
- Remove the steering wheel holder.
CAUTION:
Do not use automatic transmission fluid in place of power steering fluid.
- Fill power steering pump fluid reservoir to the proper level and perform Power Steering Pump Initial Operation standard procedure. See STANDARD PROCEDURE - POWER STEERING PUMP INITIAL OPERATION
- Check for leaks.
- Check front alignment and adjust the front toe setting on the vehicle. See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT in SUSPENSION
- Tighten tie rod jam nuts to 74 N.m (55 ft. lbs.) torque.
- Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rods.