Manual Rack and Pinion Steering Gear

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Rotate the steering wheel from lock-to-lock (entire gear travel) and record the number of steering wheel rotations. Divide the number of steering wheel rotations by 2 to get the required number of turns to place the steering wheel in the centered (straight-ahead) position. From 1 lock position, rotate the steering wheel the required number of turns to center the steering rack.
3. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Negative battery cable
   • Bolt retaining the intermediate steering column shaft to the steering gear pinion. Separate the shaft from the pinion.
   • Cotter pin retaining the nut to the tie rod ends. Discard the cotter pin.
   • Separate the tie rod ends from the spindle arms
4. Support the steering gear and remove the 2 nuts, bolts and washers retaining the gear to the crossmember.
   • Steering gear and, if required, remove the front and rear insulators from the gear housing

   To install:

5. Install or connect the following:
   • Front and rear insulators in the gear housing, if removed
   • Steering gear on the crossmember. Torque the nuts to 65–90 ft. lbs. (88–122 Nm).
6. With the steering gear, steering wheel and front wheels in the centered position, attach the tie rod ends to the spindle arms. Torque the nuts to 52–73 ft. lbs. (70–100 Nm). If required, advance the castle nuts to the next castellation and install new cotter pins. Do not loosen the nuts to line up the cotter pin hole.

   NOTE: Make sure the tie rod ball studs are seated in the spindle tapers to prevent rotation while tightening the nut.

7. Install or connect the following:
   • Steering column intermediate shaft to the gear pinion. Torque the bolt to 30–42 ft. lbs. (41–57 Nm).
   • Negative battery cable
8. Check and adjust the front end alignment, if necessary.