SECTION
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
Rack and Pinion Assembly
Tools Required
KM-507-B Ball Joint Remover
Removal Procedure
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
- Remove the wheels. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Disconnect the power steering gear fluid inlet pipe.
- Disconnect the hose from the power steering gear fluid outlet pipe. Place a drain pan under the steering gear to catch the power steering fluid.
- Position the steering gear straight ahead by turning the steering wheel until the steering wheel spokes are vertical and pointed to the left.
- Scribe a mark on the stub shaft housing that lines up with a mark on the intermediate shaft lower coupling.
- Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
- Remove the outer tie rod nuts and disconnect the tie rod ends from the strut assembly using the ball joint remover KM-507-B.
- Remove the nuts and bolts from the steering gear mounting brackets. Remove the crossmember assembly for easy access of the rack and pinion assembly removal.
Caution : When removing the crossmember assembly it should be supported by Jackstands, in advance. Failure to support the crossmember properly can result in personal injury. In addition, remove the centermember bolt with caution when the exhaust pipe is hot.
- Disconnect the SSPS solenoid valve connector.
- Remove the rack and pinion assembly from the crossmember assembly.
Installation Procedure
- Install the rack and pinion assembly from below. The steering gear must be in a straight-ahead position, and the steering wheel spokes must be vertical and pointing to the left. Align the marks on the shafts to ensure proper positioning. Seat the stub shaft into the intermediate shaft.
- Connect the SSPS solenoid valve connector.
- Install the nuts and bolts on the steering gear mounting bracket.
Tighten
Tighten the steering gear mounting bracket bolts and nuts to 60 N•m (44 lb-ft).
- Connect the tie rod ends to the strut assembly.
- Install the outer tie rod nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the outer tie rod nuts to 50 N•m (37 lb-ft).
- Install the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 25 N•m (18 lb-ft).
- Connect the power steering gear fluid inlet pipe.
Tighten
Tighten the steering gear inlet pipe fitting to 28 N•m (21 lb-ft).
- Connect the hose to the power steering gear fluid outlet pipe.
- Install the wheels. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Do a straight-ahead check. Refer to "Straight-Ahead Check"
in this section.
Notice : When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use power steering fluid DEXRON®-II or III or equivalent. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
- Refill the power steering system and check for leaks. If leaks are found, correct the cause of the leak and bleed the system. Refer to Section 6A, Power Steering System.
- Connect the negative battery cable.
Outer Tie Rod
Tools Required
KM-507-B Ball Joint Remover
Removal Procedure
- Remove the wheel. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Mark the threads on the inner tie rod to aid in repositioning the adjusting nut.
- Remove the outer tie rod nut and disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle using the ball joint remover KM-507-B.
- Loosen the outer tie rod adjusting nut and remove the outer tie rod by twisting it off the inner tie rod.
Installation Procedure
- Reposition the adjusting nut to the marks on the inner tie rod.
- Install the outer tie rod by twisting it onto the inner tie rod.
- Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
- Perform a front toe adjustment. Refer to Section 2B, Wheel Alignment.
- Tighten the adjusting nut.
Tighten
Tighten the outer tie rod adjusting nut to 64 N•m (47 lb-ft).
- Install the outer tie rod nut.
Tighten
Tighten the outer tie rod nut to 50 N•m (37 lb-ft).
- Install the wheel. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
Dust Boot
Tools Required
Removal Procedure
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle
- Remove the wheel. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the outer tie rod. Refer to "Outer Tie Rod" in this section.
- Remove the dust boot retaining clamps.
- Remove the dust boot.
Installation Procedure
- Install the dust boot.
- Install the tie rod end dust boot retaining clamp. Install the cylinder end dust boot retaining clamp with the installer KM-J-22610.
- Install the outer tie rod. Refer to "Outer Tie Rod" in this section.
- Install the wheel. Refer to Section 2E, Tires and Wheels.
- Lower the vehicle.
Straight-Ahead Check
After completing all the necessary operations on the steering gear, such as removing and installing, disassembling and assembling, check the exact straight-ahead position of the steering in each case.
With the vehicle on the floor, place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position. Mark the centerline of both tires on the floor. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and mark the new centerline of both tires on the floor.
Straight-Ahead Check Table
| Step |
Action |
Value(s) |
Yes |
No |
| 1 |
Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
Is the wheel in the correct position?
|
-
|
Go to Step 2
|
-
|
| 2 |
Is the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt lying parallel to the steering gear?
|
-
|
Go to Step 3
|
Go to Step 4
|
| 3 |
Is the steering wheel off center by more than 5 degrees?
|
-
|
Go to Step 5
|
Go to Step 6
|
| 4 |
The pinion is displaced on the rack. The steering pinion position must be corrected.
Is the repair complete?
|
-
|
Go to Step 2
|
-
|
| 5 |
Remove steering wheel and center it on the spindle splines.
Is the repair complete?
|
-
|
Go to Step 3
|
-
|
| 6 |
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.
Measure the inner and the outer angles of the tire centerline compared to the straight-ahead centerline.
Are the angles within specifications?
|
Inner angle:
37.5°
Outer angle:
31°
|
System OK
|
Go to Step 7
|
| 7 |
The rack assembly was not assembled correctly. Repair, as needed.
Is the repair complete?
|
-
|
Go to Step 6
|
-
|
Intermediate Shaft, Joint and Dash Seal
Removal Procedure
- Turn the steering wheel until it is horizontal, with the spokes pointing down. This is the straight-ahead position. Make a mark on the stub shaft housing that lines up with the groove of the intermediate shaft. This mark will be used for proper alignment during installation.
- Remove the lower pinch bolt from the universal joint on the intermediate shaft.
- Turn the steering wheel so that the upper and lower pinch bolt is accessible. Remove the upper and lower pinch bolt from the universal joint on the intermediate shaft.
- Remove the nuts from the dash seal retaining ring and remove the dash seal retaining ring.
- Remove the coupling from the power steering gear and pull the intermediate shaft out of the engine compartment.
Installation Procedure
- Install the intermediate shaft into the vehicle.
- Install the dash seal retaining ring with the nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the dash seal retaining ring nuts to 7 N•m (62 lb-in).
Important : When attaching the upper universal joint, the steering wheel must be placed in the straight-ahead position with the spokes pointing down.
- Attach the upper universal joint of the intermediate shaft onto the steering column.
- Install the pinch bolts into the upper universal joint on the intermediate shaft and tighten the bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolts to 25 N•m (18 lb-ft).
Important : When attaching the lower universal joint, the marks on the intermediate shaft and on the stub shaft should line up.
- Attach the lower universal joint of the intermediate shaft onto the steering gear stub shaft.
Important : When installing the lower intermediate shaft pinch bolt, make sure the bolt goes through the universal joint on the side of the stub shaft with the notch. If you have trouble seating the universal joint completely down onto the stub shaft, rotate the steering wheel slightly while pushing down on the universal joint.
- Install the bolt into the lower universal joint on the intermediate shaft and tighten the bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the intermediate shaft pinch bolt to 25 N•m (18 lb-ft).
Hydraulic Cylinder Lines
Removal Procedure
- Siphon the power steering fluid from the fluid reservoir.
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
- Disconnect the power steering gear hydraulic cylinder pipes from the power steering gear at the valve end. Replace the O-ring seals, as needed.
- Disconnect the power steering gear hydraulic cylinder pipes from the power steering gear at the cylinder end.
- Remove the steering gear hydraulic cylinder pipes from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Lubricate any new O-ring seals with power steering fluid.
- Place the O-ring seals into the housing and install the steering gear hydraulic cylinder pipes.
- Connect the power steering gear hydraulic cylinder pipes to the power steering gear at the valve end.
Tighten
Tighten the hydraulic cylinder line fittings at the valve end to 18 N•m (13 lb-ft).
- Connect the power steering gear hydraulic cylinder pipes to the power steering gear at the cylinder end.
Tighten
Tighten the hydraulic cylinder line fittings at the cylinder end to 28 N•m (21 lb-ft).
- Lower the vehicle.
Notice : When adding fluid or making a complete change, always use DEXRON®-III power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks.
- Fill the fluid reservoir with power steering fluid.
- Inspect for leaks. If there are leaks, correct the cause of the leaks and bleed the system. Refer to "Bleeding the Power Steering System"
in this section.
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS) Control Module
Removal Procedure
- Disconnect negative battery cable.
- Remove the luggage compartment wheel house trim panel. Refer to Section 9G, Interior Trim.
- Release the SSPS control module securing bolts and remove the module by sliding upwards.
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the SSPS control module.
Installation Procedure
- Connect the electrical connector to the SSPS control module.
- Install the SSPS control module with bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the SSPS control module securing bolts to 9 N•m (80 lb-in).
- Install the luggage compartment wheel house trim panel. Refer to Section 9G, Interior Trim.
UNIT REPAIR
Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment
Adjustment Procedure
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
- Center the steering wheel.
- Remove the power steering gear. Refer to "Rack and Pinion Assembly" in this section.
- Loosen the locknut and turn the adjuster plug clockwise until a torque of 7 N•m (62 lb-in) is obtained, then loosen it by 30 to 40 degrees. Check the pinion torque. Maximum pinion preloaded torque is 1 N•m (9 lb-in).
- Tighten the locknut on the adjuster plug while holding the adjuster plug stationary.
Tighten
Tighten the adjuster plug locknut to 75 N•m (56 lb-ft).
- Install the power steering gear. Refer to "Rack and Pinion Assembly" in this section.
- Be sure to check the returnability of the steering wheel to center position after adjustment.
Rack and Pinion
Tools Required
Disassembly Procedure
- Remove the rack and pinion steering assembly from the vehicle. Refer to "Rack and Pinion Assembly" in this section.
- Remove the valve and pinion assembly from the rack and pinion steering assembly. Refer to "Valve and Pinion"
in this section.
- Remove the rack bearing assembly from the rack and pinion steering assembly. Refer to "Rack Bearing" in this section.
- Mark the threads on the inner tie rod to aid in repositioning the adjusting nut.
- Loosen the adjusting nut and remove the outer tie rod nut and the adjusting nut.
- Remove the dust boot retaining clamps and remove the dust boot.
- Remove the inner tie rod.
- Remove the adjuster plug lock nut, adjuster plug, adjuster spring and rack bearing.
- Remove the dust cover, snap ring and pinion lock nut. The pinion lock nut can be removed when the pinion shaft is fixed.
- Remove the dust cover(Rubber) and snap ring.
- Remove the pinion gear and valve assembly by tapping on the pinion shaft gently with a hammer and steel bar.
- Remove the pinion shaft seal and niddle bearing.
- Remove the pinion shaft ball bearing by tapping on the pinion shaft gently with a rubber hammer and steel bar.
- To remove the steering rack gear, remove the sirclip from the rack gear housing.
- Pull out the rack gear and rack gear stopper at the same time from the rack gear housing.
Assembly Procedure
- Install the rack gear and rack gear stopper to the rack gear housing.
- Install the sirclip.
- Install the pinion shaft ball bearing.
- Install the pinion shaft, seal and needle bearing.
- Install the snap ring and dust cover(Rubber).
- Install the pinion lock nut, snap ring and dust cover.
Tighten
Tighten the pinion lock nut to 30 N•m (22 lb-ft).
- Coat the rack bearing, the adjuster spring, and the adjuster plug with lithium-based grease and install them into the housing.
- With the rack centered, turn the adjuster plug clockwise until a torque of 7 N•m (62 lb-in) is obtained, then back it off by 30 to 40 degrees. Check the pinion torque. Maximum pinion preloaded torque is 1 N•m (9 lb-in).
- Thread the locknut on the adjuster plug and tighten it.
Tighten
Tighten the adjuster plug locknut to 75 N•m (56 lb-ft) while holding the adjuster plug stationary with the rack guide spring cap wrench J-42459 or with a 19 mm allen wrench.
- Install the inner tie rod.
Tighten
Tighten the inner tie rod to 100 N•m (74 lb-ft).
- Install the dust boot and retaining clamps.
- Install the outer tie rod end and lock nut.
Tighten
Tighten the outer tie rod end lock nut to 64 N•m (47 lb-ft).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND SYSTEM OPERATION
Power Rack and Pinion
The power rack and pinion steering system has a rotary control valve that directs hydraulic fluid coming from the hydraulic pump to one side or the other side of the rack piston. The integral rack piston is attached to the rack. The rack piston converts hydraulic pressure to a linear force that moves the rack left or right. That force is then transmitted through the tie rods to the steering knuckles, which turn the wheels.
If power rack and pinion steering is not available, manual rack and pinion control is used; however, with this system, more steering effort is required. The movement of the steering wheel is transferred to the pinion. The rotary movement of the pinion is then transferred through the pinion threads, which mesh with teeth on the rack, thereby causing the rack to move in a linear direction.
A vane-type of hydraulic pump provides hydraulic pressure for both steering systems.
Speed Sensitive Power Steering System
The speed sensitive power steering (SSPS) system varies the driver effort required to steer as the vehicle speed changes. At low speeds, the system provides maximum power assist for easy turning and parking maneuvers. At higher speeds, the steering power is reduced to provide the driver with firmer steering and directional stability. The SSPS system accomplishes this by reducing the amount of power steering fluid flow from the power steering pump to the power steering gear as the vehicle speed increases. When the vehicle is stationary, the SSPS system provides maximum fluid flow to the steering gear. As the vehicle speed increases, the fluid flow to the steering gear is decreased.
Control Module
The SSPS control module processes the vehicle speed information from the engine control module (ECM) and uses the steering wheel rotation sensor to provide a control signal to the solenoid valve located on the power steering gear assembly.
Steering Wheel Rotation Sensor
The steering wheel rotation sensor is located at the end of the steering column housing and is used to send a signal to the controller when abrupt or evasive steering maneuvers are needed.
Power Steering Pressure Hose
SSPS vehicles have a specific pressure hose assembly which includes an in-line check valve in the rack and pinion assembly. This reduces the amount of steering wheel "kick" when driving over irregular road surfaces while operating at speeds with reduced flow rate and pressure.
Power Rack and Pinion
Except for differences in valve machining, the design of the SSPS power rack and pinion assembly is the same as for the a non-SSPS system. The steering wheel movement is transferred to the pinion via the intermediate shaft. The pinion moves the rack left or right through meshing the pinion and the rack teeth. The force is then transmitted through the tie rods and steering knuckle to steer the wheels.
The power rack and pinion steering system has a rotary control valve which directs the hydraulic fluid from the power steering pump to one side or the other side of the rack piston. The piston is attached to the rack and uses hydraulic pressure to move the rack left or right. The rotary control valve regulates the degree of assist by responding to the driver's torque input.
If hydraulic assist is not available, manual control is maintained. However, under this condition, more steering effort is required.
Power Steering Pump
The standard vane-type pump, which provides hydraulic pressure for the system, incorporates a special discharge fitting to hold the SSPS actuator.
System Operation
System operation originates with input from the vehicle speed sensor via the ECM to the SSPS control module. The SSPS control module sends a signal to the SSPS actuator to vary the rate of fluid flow output by the power steering pump.
Circuit Operation
The SSPS system uses inputs from the speed sensor and steering wheel rotation sensor to the SSPS controller to determine the desired amount of power steering assist.
The SSPS control module constantly compares the amount of current flowing through the SSPS actuator to the desired current it has calculated. The SSPS actuator has a pintle that moves in and out of an orifice, regulating power steering fluid flow. The SSPS control module can change the amount of current flowing through the SSPS actuator by varying the output duty cycle. If the SSPS actuator is disconnected, the pintle will be pulled out of the orifice for maximum power steering assist.
The SSPS control module has the ability to detect faults in the steering wheel rotation sensor, the SSPS actuator, or the circuitry to those components. Any default detected will cause the power steering assist to remain at maximum with the pintle in its normally retracted position for all speeds.
When the system is operating normally, increasing the vehicle speed will decrease power steering assist, allowing the driver to have improved road feel and directional stability. When sudden steering wheel turns are made, as in evasive maneuvers, they are detected by the SSPS control module through the steering wheel rotation sensor. When detected, the SSPS control module reduces current to the SSPS actuator, allowing greater power steering assist.
