Contents: Removal ↡ Installation ↡
Note: Installation will require new tie rod ball joint nuts and a steering arm pinch bolt nut.
Removal
1. Place chocks under the rear wheels, apply the parking brake, raise the front of the vehicle and place it on stands (see "Lifting the car and placing it on supports").
2. Unscrew the nuts securing the ball joints of the steering rods to the steering knuckle. Disconnect the ball joints from the knuckle, using a universal ball joint puller if necessary.
3. Loosen and remove the bipod clamp bolt and nut, then remove the retaining ring (see fig. 22.3).
Fig. 22.3. Steering arm clamp bolt (1) and retaining ring (2)
4. Before removing, measure the distance between the upper edge of the pitman arm and the steering gear housing, write down the value. Also check that the mark on the gear is clearly visible, which is in line with the gap of the pitman arm clamp; if not, apply an alignment mark.
5. Using a universal puller, remove the pitman arm from the steering gear pinion and pull it out from underneath the vehicle. Once the pitman arm is removed, check the lower seal for leaks and replace if any are found.
Installation
6. Remove all traces of locking compound from the steering gear pinion and pitman arm and ensure all splines are clean and dry.
7. Apply a layer of locking compound to the steering knuckle splines (Loctite 270).
8. Align the splines of the steering knuckle and the steering gear pinion, making sure that the mark on the pinion is correctly aligned with the cut in the clamp.
9. Press the steering arm into the steering gear so that the distance between the top edge and the housing is the same as before removal.
10. Install the bipod clamp bolt, then install a new nut and tighten it to the specified torque. Secure the bipod by installing the retaining ring, making sure it is correctly positioned in the gear groove.
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11. Connect the ball joints to the pitman arm, then install the new mounting nuts and tighten them to the required torque. Lower the car to the ground.