Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Removal Procedure
- The steering column
- The intermediate shaft(s)
- The steering gear
- Lock the steering column in the straight-ahead position.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear and remove the front dash seal from the steering gear input shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
- Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
- Disconnect the stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
- Disconnect the lower control arms from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA) , Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNB) .
- Disconnect the steering gear electrical connector.
- Remove the steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (NJ1) , Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement (NV7, NXC) .
- Remove the through bolts for the front and rear transmission mounts. Refer to Transmission Front Mount Replacement , and Transmission Rear Mount Replacement .
- Position adjustable jackstands underneath the left and right sides of the rear of the drivetrain and front suspension frame.
- Lower the vehicle until the drivetrain and front suspension frame is resting lightly on the jackstands.
- Remove the exhaust front pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (LHU) , Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (LDK or LHU) .
- Loosen the drivetrain and front suspension frame front bolts. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement .
- Raise the vehicle while the drivetrain and front suspension frame rests on the jackstands. Do not allow the gap between the body and rear of the frame to exceed a maximum of 50 mm (2 in).
- Finish removing the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
- Remove the power steering gear inlet and outlet hose bolt (1) and hoses (2) from the steering gear (3). Discard the seals.
- Remove the steering gear nuts (1), washers (2) and bolts (3) from the steering gear (4). Discard the nuts and bolts.
- Remove the steering gear (4) from the left side of the vehicle.
- If replacing the steering gear (1), transfer components as necessary.
- If not replacing the steering gear (1), discard both of the power steering gear inlet and outlet hose seals and replace with NEW only. Refer to Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Seal Replacement (LHU, MDK, NXC) , Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Seal Replacement (LHU, MHK, NV7) , Power Steering Gear Inlet and Outlet Hose Seal Replacement (LHU, MR6, NV7, NXC) .
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has become un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
The orientation of the steering gear electrical connector is important. Before disconnecting, note the location and orientation of the connector to aid in proper installation.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.