Power Steering Gear

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1990–94 Vehicles

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the power steering fluid. Raise the vehicle and support safely.
2. Remove the bolt holding lower steering column joint to the rack and pinion input shaft.
3. Remove the transfer case, if equipped.
4. Remove the cotter pins and using the proper tools, separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle.
5. Locate the triangular brace near the stabilizer bar brackets on the crossmember and remove both the brace and the stabilizer bar bracket.
6. Support the center crossmember. Remove the through bolt from the round roll stopper and remove the rear bolts from the center crossmember.
7. Disconnect the front exhaust pipe, if equipped with FWD.
8. Disconnect the power steering fluid pressure pipe and return hose from the rack fittings. Plug the fittings to prevent excess fluid leakage.
9. Lower the crossmember slightly. Remove the rack and pinion steering assembly and its rubber mounts. Move the rack to the right to remove from the crossmember. Tilt the assembly downward and remove from the left side of the vehicle. Use caution to avoid damaging the boots.

   Fig. 1: Power steering gear mounting — 1990–94 vehicles

   To install:

10. Install the rack and install the mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting bolts to 43–58 ft. lbs. (60–80 Nm). When installing the rubber rack mounts, align the projection of the mounting rubber with the indentation in the crossmember.
11. Connect the power steering fluid lines to the rack.
12. Connect the exhaust pipe, if removed.
13. Raise the crossmember into position. Install the center member mounting bolts and tighten to 72 ft. lbs. (100 Nm). Install the roll stopper bolt and new nut. Tighten nut to 47 ft. lbs. (65 Nm).
14. Install the stabilizer bar brackets and brace.
15. Connect the tie rod ends and tighten nuts to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm).
16. Install the transfer case, if removed.
17. Refill the reservoir with power steering fluid and bleed the system.
18. Have a repair shop check the front end alignment, and adjust if necessary.

1995–98 Vehicles

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Drain the power steering fluid into a suitable container.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Remove the stabilizer bar.
5. For 2.0L non-turbo engines, remove the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
6. For 2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines, perform the following:
   1. Remove the brake fluid reservoir.
   2. Unbolt the A/C compressor and position aside. Do NOT disconnect the refrigerant lines.
7. Remove the joint assembly and gear body connecting bolt.
8. Disconnect the power steering pipe connection.
9. Use a suitable puller to separate the tie rod end and knuckle connection.

   Fig. 2: Exploded view of the power steering gear assembly — 1995–98 2.0L non-turbo engine, shown other engines similar

10. Unfasten the retaining bolts, then remove the left and right side stays.
11. Remove the retainers, then remove the center member assembly.
12. Unfasten the retaining clamp, then remove the power steering gear assembly.
13. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
14. Refill the reservoir with power steering fluid and bleed the system.
15. Have a repair shop check the front end alignment, and adjust if necessary.