Removal Procedure
NOTE:
Do not rotate steering shaft after steering column has been removed. Damage to SIR components may occur.
- Lock the steering column through the access hole in the steering column lower trim cover using J 42640 . See Special Tools .
- Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls 4.3L.
- Remove the intermediate shaft shield from the steering gear.
- Place a drain pan below the steering gear.
- Disconnect the wiring harness clip from the power steering return hose at the power steering gear.
- Remove the pressure and the return hoses from the power steering gear.
Cap or tape the ends of the hoses and the gear fittings in order to prevent dirt from entering the system.
- Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling bolt.
- Draw alignment marks on the lower intermediate shaft coupling and the steering shaft.
- Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupling from the steering shaft.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Remove the steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement in Steering Linkage.
- Remove differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
- Remove the differential carrier shield.
- Remove the pitman arm ball stud cotter pin and nut at the relay rod.
- Disconnect pitman arm from relay rod using J 24319-B . See Special Tools .
- Remove the steering gear mounting bolts and the washers from the frame.
- Remove the steering gear.
- Remove the pitman arm. Refer to Pitman Arm Replacement (RWD) or Pitman Arm Replacement (4WD) in Steering Linkage.