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Steering Gear: Disassembly

CAUTION: The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear causing premature wear.
CAUTION: Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used in place of the bellows clamps.
CAUTION: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water and contamination trapped in the grease will degrade the life of the joint.
CAUTION: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the steering gear bellows and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location.
  1. Remove the steering gear. For additional information, refer to STEERING GEAR .
  2. Drain any excess power steering fluid from the steering gear and then clean the exterior of the gear using a suitable solvent.
  3. Index mark the tie-rod ends and tie-rod end jam nuts to the inner tie-rods.
  4. Loosen the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.
  5. NOTE: Count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod ends for reference during reassembly.

    Remove the 2 tie-rod ends.

  6. Remove the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.
  7. Remove the 2 outer bellows clamps.
  8. NOTE: New inner bellows clamps must be installed.

    Remove and discard the 2 inner bellows clamps.

  9. Remove the 2 steering gear bellows.
    10. CAUTION: To resist rotation and prevent damage to the steering gear during removal of the spindle tie-rods, center the steering gear and position the rack gear in a soft-jawed vice.
  10. Using the special tool, remove the 2 inner tie-rods.
  11. Remove the check valve from the upper hose port.
    12. CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.
  12. Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Replace the parts as necessary.
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