For 1990-2009 cars

### Removal Procedure

#### Tools Required

J 21867-02 Tie Rod End Remover

1. Pull back the forward section of the driver's side floor carpet.
2. Remove the steering shaft coupling cover (1).
3. Loosen the bolt (2) that retains the upper steering shaft coupling.

Do not remove the bolt (2).

4. Remove the bolt (1) that retains the lower steering shaft coupling.
5. Separate the shaft from the pinion.
6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
7. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
8. Remove the following components from each outer tie rod (3):

• | The cotter pin (5)

• | The castle nut (4)

9. Use the J 21867-02 in order to separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.
10. Remove the following components in order to remove the steering gear (2) from the bulkhead.

• | The 4 bolts (1)

• | The 2 steering gear mounting brackets

11. Remove the steering gear (8) from the vehicle through the front wheel opening.

### Installation Procedure

1. Install the steering gear (8) to the vehicle through the front wheel opening.
2. Install the 2 mounting brackets to the steering gear (2).

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

3. Install the 4 bolts to the mounting brackets in order to secure the steering gear to the bulkhead.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

4. Install the outer tie rods (3) to the steering knuckles.

Important: Do not loosen the castle nuts in order to insert the cotter pins.

5. Install the castle nuts (4) to the outer tie rods (3).

Tighten
Tighten the castle nuts to 43 N·m (32 lb ft). Tighten the castle nut in order to align the cotter pin slot with the ball stud hole. Do not turn the castle nut more than 1/6 of a turn beyond the tightening specifications.

Important: Do not use the old cotter pins. Install new cotter pins.

6. Install the cotter pins (5).

Bend the pin ends in order to secure the castle nuts.

7. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Install the pinion shaft to the steering shaft coupling.
10. Secure the pinion shaft to the lower steering shaft coupling with the bolt (1).

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

11. Tighten the bolt for the upper steering shaft coupling (2).

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

12. Install the steering shaft coupling cover (1).
13. Reposition the driver's side floor carpet.
14. Measure the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
15. Adjust the front toe, if necessary. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.