Removal And Installation

STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE

Removal and Installation

NOTE:
When removing components such as hoses, tubes/lines, etc., cap or plug openings to prevent fluid from spilling.

REMOVAL

1.Remove the front wheels and tires using power tool.
2.Disconnect stabilizer connecting rods at steering knuckles and reposition. Exploded View.





3.Remove cotter pin (1), and then loosen the nut.
4.Remove steering outer socket (2) from steering knuckle (3) so as not to damage ball joint boot (4) using the Tool.

CAUTION:
Temporarily tighten the nut to prevent damage to threads and to prevent the Tool from suddenly coming off.
Tool number: HT72520000 (J-25730-A)





5.Remove lower side bolt of lower joint.
6.Remove front exhaust tube. Exploded View (QR25DE), Exploded View
(VQ35DE).
7.Disconnect the high and low pressure piping from the steering gear assembly. Exploded View (QR25DE),
(VQ35DE - 17 inch tire), (VQ35DE - 18 inch tire).
8.Remove steering hydraulic piping bracket from front suspension member.
9.Disconnect the SSPS valve harness connector. Exploded View.
10.Remove bolts and nuts of steering gear assembly, and then remove steering gear assembly from vehicle.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Check for fluid leaks or damage to steering gear assembly. Replace steering gear assembly and linkage as necessary. Exploded View

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION:
Do not reuse O-rings or copper sealing washers.
- When installing lower joint to steering gear assembly, follow the procedure listed below.
- Set rack of steering gear in the neutral position.
NOTE:
To get the neutral position of rack, turn gear-sub assembly and measure the distance of inner socket, and then measure the intermediate position of the distance.
ST





- Align rear cover cap projection (A) with the marking position (B) of gear housing assembly.
- Install slit part of lower joint (C) aligning with the projection (A) of rear cover cap (1). Make sure that the slit part of lower joint (C) is aligned with both the projection (A) of rear cover cap (1) and the marking position (B) of gear housing assembly.
- After installation, bleed air from the steering hydraulic system.
Procedures.
- Perform final tightening of nuts and bolts on each part under unladen conditions with tires on level ground when removing steering gear assembly.
- Check wheel alignment. Component Tests and General Diagnostics.
- On models equipped with VDC, perform neutral position steering angle adjustment. Special Repair Requirement.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

Make sure that steering wheel operates smoothly by turning several times from full left stop to full right stop.