With the wheels pointing straight ahead, secure the
Steering Wheel using a
Steering Column anti-rotation pin, the steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation, as this will prevent damage to the clockspring and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured before removing the intermediate shaft, the column, or the Rack And Pinion. DO NOT rotate the steering wheel or front wheels while the steering column is removed. Begin by disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Remove and discard the intermediate shaft pinch bolt and detach the shaft. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and place it securely on jackstands before removing both front wheels. Detach the tie-rod ends from the steering knuckles and disconnect the brake pressure modulator valve from the bracket, removing the bracket from the vehicle if equipped. For 2008 and earlier models, remove the front stabilizer bar. Place a drain pan under the Rack And Pinion and detach the power steering cooler pressure and return lines, capping the ends to prevent excessive fluid loss and contamination. Disconnect any electrical harnesses or connectors and detach any brake lines from the subframe. For 2003 and earlier models, remove the Rack And Pinion mounting bolts and loosen by hand the front subframe mounting nuts to slightly lower the subframe, sliding and rotating the Rack And Pinion out the driver's side wheel opening. For 2004 and later models, place a floor jack under the subframe, remove the two front subframe nuts, loosen the two rear subframe nuts 0.394" (10mm), disconnect the ride level sensor rod(s) from the
Control Arm(s), remove the lower shock mount bolts, disconnect the front caliper brake lines from the subframe brackets, and for 2009 and later models, remove the engine mount-to-subframe nuts before removing the Rack And Pinion mounting bolts and slowly lowering the subframe to allow the Rack And Pinion to be removed from the vehicle. If the power steering lines were not accessible earlier, disconnect them before removing the Rack And Pinion. Installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring to align the matchmarks when connecting the Rack And Pinion input shaft to the intermediate shaft U-joint and installing a new pinch bolt. Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque values, tighten the lug nuts, fill the power steering reservoir with the recommended fluid, and bleed the power steering hydraulic system. Finally, have the front end alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.