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.
Installation Procedure
- Install the power steering gear through the left wheel opening.CAUTION: 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.
- Install the power steering gear mounting bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 95 N.m (70 ft lbs).
- If equipped, connect the variable effort steering electrical connector.
- Install the left stabilizer shaft insulator. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement in Front Suspension .
- Install the power steering pressure hose (2) to the power steering gear.
- Install the power steering return hose (1) to the power steering gear.
Tighten
Tighten the power steering pressure and return hoses to 30 N.m (22 ft lbs).
- Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Power Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .
- Install the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles.
- Install the outer tie rods retaining nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 30 N.m (22 ft lbs) plus an additional 180 degrees.
- Install the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear.
- Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 47 N.m (35 ft lbs).
- Install the tires and wheels. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Remove the J 42640 from the steering column.
- Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System .
- Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment .
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.