Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Removal


The content of this article reflects changes called for in TSB 26-08-98.

NOTE: The power steering gear should NOT be serviced or adjusted. If a malfunction or oil leak occurs, the complete steering gear assembly must be replaced.

CAUTION: Positioning the steering column in the locked position will prevent the clockspring from being accidentally over-extended when the steering column is disconnected from the intermediate steering coupler.

1. Remove cap from power steering fluid reservoir.
2. Using a siphon pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.
3. With the ignition key in the locked position turn the steering wheel to the left until the steering wheel is in the locked position.





4. With the vehicle on the ground, disconnect the steering column shaft coupler from the steering gear intermediate coupler.
5. Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a frame contact type hoist.
6. Remove the front tires.





7. Raise the heat sleeve on the power steering return hose to expose the return hose to steel tube connection. Remove the return hose from the metal tube of the power steering fluid return line. Then allow the remaining power steering fluid to drain from the system through the hose and metal tube.





8. Remove nut attaching outer tie rod end to steering knuckle. Nut is to be removed from tie rod end using the following procedure, hold tie rod end stud with a 11/32 socket while loosening and removing nut with wrench.

Tie Rod End Removal From Steering Knuckle Arm:





9. Remove both tie rod ends from steering knuckles, using Puller Special Tool MB-990635 or MB-991113, or equivalents.

HCU To Suspension Cradle Mounting Bolts:





10. Remove the 2 bolts and loosen the third attaching the antilock brakes Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) to the front suspension cradle. Then rotate the HCU rearward to allow access to the cradle plate attaching nut and bolt just forward of the HCU.

Front Suspension Cradle Plate And Attaching Bolts:





11. Remove the 10 nuts and bolts attaching the cradle plate to the bottom of the front suspension cradle. Then remove the cradle plate from the cradle.

12. If the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel-Drive, remove the power transfer unit.





13. Remove the bracket attaching the power steering fluid tubes to the front suspension cradle.





14. Using a 18 mm crowfoot, remove the power steering fluid pressure and return lines from the power steering gear.





15. Remove the 3 bolts and nuts mounting the steering gear to the front suspension cradle.

NOTE: The next step must be done to allow the removal of the steering gear from the front suspension cradle. The steering gear can not be removed from the vehicle with the intermediate coupler attached to the steering gear.





16. Lower steering gear from suspension cradle enough to allow access to the intermediate coupler roll pin. Install Remover/Installer Special Tool 6831A, or equivalent through the center of the roll pin, securing with the knurled nut. Hold threaded rod stationary while turning nut, this will pull the roll pin out of the intermediate coupler.
17. Separate the intermediate coupler from the shaft of the steering gear.
18. Remove the steering gear assembly from the front suspension cradle.