FixVault

Steering Gear

NOTE:

Before proceeding, refer to WARNING .

  1. Siphon out as much power steering fluid as possible from the reservoir.
    Fig 1: Floor Carpet, Intermediate Shaft, Coupling Bolt & Steering Gear Pinion Shaft
    GC0084367Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  2. Reposition the floor carpeting to access the intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the column.
  3. Position the front wheels of vehicle in the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position, then turn the steering wheel to the right until the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3) at the base of the column can be accessed.
  4. Remove the intermediate shaft coupling bolt (3). Do not separate the intermediate shaft (2) from the steering gear pinion shaft (4) at this time. 
    Fig 2: Steering Wheel Holding Tool
    GC0082330Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  5. Return the front wheels of vehicle (and steering wheel) to the STRAIGHT-AHEAD position. Using a steering wheel holder, lock the steering wheel in place to keep it from rotating. This keeps the clockspring in the proper orientation.
    Fig 3: Tire & Wheel Mounting
    GC0082325Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
  7. On each side of the vehicle, remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1).
    Fig 4: View Of Front Knuckle Mounting
    GC0120770Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  8. On each side of the gear, remove the nut (3) from the out tie rod end (6) at the knuckle (2).
    Fig 5: Using 9360 On Tie Rod End
    GC0120778Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  9. On each side of the gear, separate the outer tie rod end (1) from the knuckle (3) using Remover (special tool #9360, Remover, Ball Joint) (2).
  10. If equipped, remove the engine belly pan.
  11. Remove the rear engine mount. Refer to INSULATOR, ENGINE MOUNT, REAR, REMOVAL - 2.4L or INSULATOR, ENGINE MOUNT, REAR, REMOVAL - 3.6L .
    Fig 6: Identifying Horizontal Bolt
    GC0120990Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  12. Remove the front engine mount through-bolt.
    Fig 7: Identifying Front Crossmember Mounting
    GC0120782Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  13. Remove the two bolts (5) fastening the fore/aft crossmember (4) to the lower radiator support (3).
    Fig 8: Identifying Front & Aft Crossmember Bolts
    GC0120992Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  14. Remove the four bolts (1) fastening the fore/aft crossmember to the front crossmember. Remove the fore/aft crossmember.
    Fig 9: Power Steering Hose Routing Clamps & Screws
    GC0120780Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  15. Remove the screws (1) securing the power steering hose routing clamps (2) to the rear of the crossmember.
    Fig 10: Identifying Hoses AT Gear
    GC0122200Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  16. Unscrew the tube nut (2), then remove the return hose (1) at the steering gear.
  17. Unscrew the tube nut (3), then remove the pressure hose (4) at the steering gear.
    Fig 11: View Of Heat Shield Over Steering Gear
    GC0120781Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  18. Remove the screws and push-pins securing the heat shield (1) over the right side of the steering gear (2). Remove the shield.
    Fig 12: Identifying Front Crossmember Mounting
    GC0120782Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    NOTE:

    Before removing the front suspension crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the crossmember must be marked on the body of the vehicle. Do this so the crossmember can be relocated, upon reinstallation, against the body of vehicle in the same location as before removal. If the front suspension crossmember is not reinstalled in exactly the same location as before removal, the preset front wheel alignment settings (caster and camber) may be lost.

  19. Mark the location of the front crossmember (9) on the body near each mounting bolt.
  20. Support the crossmember (9) with a transmission jack.
  21. Remove the four mounting bolts (6) securing the front crossmember (9) to the body.
  22. If equipped, remove the mounting screws (8) securing the front crossmember reinforcement brackets (7) (one each side of vehicle) to the body (1). Remove the brackets.
    Fig 13: Identifying Front Crossbrace
    GC0120783Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  23. If equipped, remove the mounting screws (1) securing the front crossbrace/reinforcement bracket (2) to the body (1). Remove the bracket.
    Fig 14: Rack & Coupling Pinch Bolt
    GC0084371Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  24. Using the jack, slowly lower the crossmember enough to access the intermediate shaft coupling (1) at the steering gear pinion shaft (4). Slide the coupling off the pinion shaft.
  25. Remove the dash seals (3, 5) as necessary.
    Fig 15: Identifying Steering Gear Mounting
    GC0082327Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  26. Remove the two bolts (1) securing the steering gear (2) to the crossmember.
  27. Remove the steering gear from the crossmember.