Special Tools

Caution: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.

1. Install the J 42640 Pin into the underside of the steering column in order to lock the steering column.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
4. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement.




Warning: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control which could result in an accident and possible personal injury.

5. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
6. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
7. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts.



8. Use the J 24319-B Puller in order to remove the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.
9. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.



10. Remove the power steering pressure hose (2) and the power steering return hose (1) from the power steering gear.
11. If equipped, disconnect the variable effort steering electrical connector.
12. Remove the left stabilizer shaft insulator. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement.



13. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts.
14. Remove the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.
15. If you are replacing the power steering gear, transfer the outer tie rods.

1. Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

2. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
3. Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts an additional 180 degrees.
4. Install the left stabilizer shaft insulator. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement.



5. Install the power steering pressure hose (2) and the power steering return hose (1) to the power steering gear.

If equipped with the L37 engine, tighten the power steering pressure and return hoses to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

If equipped with the LZ9 engine or the LGD engine, tighten the power steering pressure and return hoses to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

6. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
7. If equipped, connect the variable effort steering electrical connector.



8. Install the outer tie rod (1) to the steering knuckles.
9. Install the outer tie rod retaining nuts (3) and tighten to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
10. Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nuts an additional 180 degrees.



11. Connect the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear.
12. Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt and tighten to 47 N·m (37 lb ft).
13. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement.
14. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
15. Lower the vehicle.



16. Remove the J 42640 Pin from the steering column access hole.
17. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
18. Inspect the power steering system for leaks.
19. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment.