Can not separate the intermediate shaft assembly from rack and pinion
I am replacing the rack and pinion. For the life of me I can't separate the intermediate shaft assembly from the rack and pinion. Of course I removed the bolt, and have tried whacking it with various tools but there is very little room to work, so I definitely haven't given it my best shot. I'm afraid of breaking the shaft, plus I can't pull down on the R&P, can only hit up on the connection. Anyone have any suggestions?
Re: Can not separate the intermediate shaft assembly from...
After removing the pinch bolt and nut it is usually necessary to tap in a small chisel or large screwdriver to open up the slot sufficient for removal. Sometimes burrs hold components together and sometimes there is a corrosion bond so a squirt of penetrating oil is a good idea too.
when it comes to the power steering hose I would say just do it yourself. As for the rack and pinion it will probably cost you quite a few hours of labor. anywhere from 5-9. Its up to you!
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Which power steering system does your vehicle have ? EPS - electric power steering or hydraulic power steering . Do you have a EPS light lit on the instrument cluster ?
Power Steering System Description and Operation (EPS)
The power steering system reduces the amount of effort needed to steer the vehicle. The system uses the powertrain control module (PCM), body control module (BCM), power steering control module (PSCM), discrete battery voltage supply circuit, steering shaft torque sensor, steering wheel position sensor, power steering motor, driver information center (DIC), and the serial data circuit to perform the system functions. The PSCM and the power steering motor are serviced as an assembly and are serviced separately from the steering column assembly. The steering shaft torque sensor and the steering wheel position sensor are not serviced separately from each other or from the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly does not include the power steering motor and module assembly.
Raise the intermediate shaft seal and remove intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.
Remove the air cleaner and disconnect the pressure hoses from the steering gear.
Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands, then remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
Remove the cotter pins and nuts from both tie rod ends. Using tool J-6627 or BT-7101, press the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle.
If equipped with an Air Management pipe, remove the bracket bolt from the crossmember.
Remove the 2 rear cradle mounting bolts and lower the rear of the cradle about 4-5 in. (102-127mm).
WARNING
If the rear of the cradle is lowered too far, the engine components nearest the cowl may be damaged.
If equipped, remove the rack and pinion heat shield.
Fig. Fig. 1: Power rack and pinion assembly
Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts, then the gear assembly through the left wheel opening.
To install:
Install the gear assembly through the left wheel opening and install the mounting bolts.
Install the heat shield.
Raise the rear of the cradle and install the mounting bolts.
Install the bracket bolt to the crossmember under the air management pipe.
Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles, install the retaining nuts and insert new cotter pins.
Install the front wheels and lower the vehicle.
Install the high pressure hoses to the steering gear and install the air cleaner.
Install the intermediate shaft seal and the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.
2.2L Engine
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
Raise and safely support the vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.
CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.
Remove the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near rear of frame including the brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hangers.
Remove the engine and transaxle mount nuts at the subframe.
Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.
Do not lower the rear of the cradle too far, as damage to engine components nearest the cowl may result.
Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
Disconnect the power steering lines from the steering gear.
Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
Remove the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
To Install:
Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm) on the pressure line.
Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
Remove the jack.
Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
Install the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near the rear of frame including brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hanger.
Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
Install the tire and wheel assembly.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the support fixture.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.
3.1L Engine (VIN M)
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove engine torque strut from engine.
Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
Raise and safely support the vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
Remove the center engine and rear transaxle mounts from the frame.
Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.
CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.
Remove the brace bolts and brace, including brake line brace.
Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.
Remove the steering gear heat shield.
Remove the clip holding lines at rack assembly.
Disconnect the power steering lines and O-rings.
Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
Remove the rack and pinion unit through the left wheel well.
To Install:
Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten the mounting bolts to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm). on the pressure line.
Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
Install the steering gear heat shield.
Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
Remove the jack.
Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
Install the brace and bolts including brake line brace.
Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
Install the tire and wheel assembly.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the support fixture.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.
You aren't saying what engine is in it, or whether it is manual or power steering. Here is the R/R procedure for power steering rack for all engine sizes.
Except 2.2L and 1993-96 3.1L Engines
See Figure 1
Raise the intermediate shaft seal and remove intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.
Remove the air cleaner and disconnect the pressure hoses from the steering gear.
Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands, then remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
Remove the cotter pins and nuts from both tie rod ends. Using tool J-6627 or BT-7101, press the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle.
If equipped with an Air Management pipe, remove the bracket bolt from the crossmember.
Remove the 2 rear cradle mounting bolts and lower the rear of the cradle about 4-5 in. (102-127mm).
WARNING
If the rear of the cradle is lowered too far, the engine components nearest the cowl may be damaged.
If equipped, remove the rack and pinion heat shield.
Fig. Fig. 1: Power rack and pinion assembly
Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts, then the gear assembly through the left wheel opening.
To install:
Install the gear assembly through the left wheel opening and install the mounting bolts.
Install the heat shield.
Raise the rear of the cradle and install the mounting bolts.
Install the bracket bolt to the crossmember under the air management pipe.
Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles, install the retaining nuts and insert new cotter pins.
Install the front wheels and lower the vehicle.
Install the high pressure hoses to the steering gear and install the air cleaner.
Install the intermediate shaft seal and the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.
2.2L Engine
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
Raise and safely support the vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.
CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.
Remove the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near rear of frame including the brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hangers.
Remove the engine and transaxle mount nuts at the subframe.
Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.
Do not lower the rear of the cradle too far, as damage to engine components nearest the cowl may result.
Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
Disconnect the power steering lines from the steering gear.
Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
Remove the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
To Install:
Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm) on the pressure line.
Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
Remove the jack.
Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
Install the exhaust pipe hanger bracket near the rear of frame including brake line retainer and rubber exhaust pipe hanger.
Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
Install the tire and wheel assembly.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the support fixture.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.
3.1L Engine (VIN M)
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove engine torque strut from engine.
Install an engine support fixture J-28467-A, or the equivalent.
Raise and safely support the vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the outer tie rod ends and separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles using a suitable puller.
Remove the center engine and rear transaxle mounts from the frame.
Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
Disconnect the intermediate shaft from stub shaft.
CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.
Remove the brace bolts and brace, including brake line brace.
Support the rear of the subframe with jack stands.
Remove the rear subframe bolts and discard.
Lower the subframe for access to rack and pinion.
Remove the steering gear heat shield.
Remove the clip holding lines at rack assembly.
Disconnect the power steering lines and O-rings.
Remove the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts.
Remove the rack and pinion unit through the left wheel well.
To Install:
Install the rack and pinion through left wheel opening.
Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and nuts and tighten the mounting bolts to 66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
Connect the power steering lines to the rack using new O-rings and tighten the fittings to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm) on the return line and 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm). on the pressure line.
Install the power steering line clip to steering gear.
Install the steering gear heat shield.
Raise the subframe into position and install new frame mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts to 103 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
Remove the jack.
Install the engine mount and transaxle mount nuts and tighten to 39 ft. lbs. (53 Nm).
Install the brace and bolts including brake line brace.
Connect the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft and tighten the pinch bolt to 29 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the castle nuts to 31 ft. lbs. (42 Nm). Install new cotter pins.
Install the tire and wheel assembly.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the support fixture.
Connect the negative battery cable.
Refill the power steering reservoir and bleed the system.
Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.
Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions at the beginning of this section.
NOTE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly (clock spring) to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the assembly.
Lock the steering column by installing the J42640 into the underside of the steering column.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the tires and wheels.
Remove the power steering gear heat shield.
Remove or disconnect the following:
CAUTION Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control, which could result in personal injury.
Intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt and coupling from gear
Pressure and return pipes from the gear
Electrical connector, if equipped Stabilizer shaft links at lower control arms
Remove the left stabilizer shaft insulator.
Rotate the stabilizer shaft to access steering gear bolts.
The outer tie rod retaining nuts.
Using J24319-B separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.
Rack and pinion attaching bolts
Rack and pinion assembly through the left wheel opening.
Transfer the outer tie rods if replacing the power steering gear.
To Install:
Install or connect the following:
Rack and pinion assembly through the left wheel opening and tighten the bolts to 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm)
Electrical connector, if equipped Pressure and return lines to the steering gear and tighten the fittings to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm)
Heat shield and bolts. Tighten the bolts to 7 ft. Lbs. (10 N)
Install the left stabilizer shaft insulator.
Install stabilizer shaft Links to lower control arms
Intermediate shaft to the steering gear and tighten the pinch bolt to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm)
Install the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles.
Install the outer tie rods retaining nuts. torque the nuts to 22ft.lbs(30 Nm) plus an additional 180 degrees.
Install the tires and wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the steering column anti rotation pin from the steering column.
Fill and bleed the power steering system.
Adjust the front toe.
Lock the steering column by installing the Steering Column Anti Rotation Pin tool J 42640 into the underside of the steering column--Aurora
The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly. 1. Raise and support the vehicle. 2. Remove the stabilizer shaft. 3. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury. Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly. 4. Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
YOU HAVE TO SAFELY RAISE SUPPORT VECHICLE ON JACK STANDS.MAKE SURE YOU HAVE VECHICLE PARKED ON LEVEL SOLID GROUND.ONCE VECHICLE RAISED.REMOVE FRONT WHEELS.REMOVE TIE RODS END COTTER PINS AND CASTLE NUTS.REMOVE TIE ROD ENDS FROM THE KNUCKLES.REMOVE FRONT STABILIZER BAR.POSITION THE DASH OPENING WEATHER SEAL FOR THE STEERING COLUMN OUT OF THE WAY.REMOVE OR DISCONNECT THE FOLLOWING.REMOVE PINCH BOLT RETAINING THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING.REMOVE STEERING GEAR RETAINING NUTS BOLTS.REMOVE REAR SUBFRAME BOLTS.USE WIRE TO SUPPORT EXHAUST COMPONENTS UNLESS YOU ARE REMOVING THEM COMPLETELY.SUPPORT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FLEX TUBE AND REMOVE THE FLEX TUBE TO DUAL CONVERTER Y PIPE ATTACHMENT.LOWER THE VECHICLE SLIGHTLY UNTIL THE REAR SUBFRAME SEPARATES FROM THE BODY APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES.REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD BAND AND FOLD THE HEAT SHIELD DOWN.ROTATE THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY TO CLEAR THE BOLTS FROM THE FRONT SUBFRAME AND PULL TOWARD THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VECHICLE.PLACE A DRAIN PAN UNDER THE VECHICLE AND DISCONNECT THE POWER STEERING LINES.REMOVE THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VECHICLE***** TO INSTALL ****** INSTALL NEW TEFLON O - RINGS ON THE POWER STEERING LINE FITTINGS. PLACE THE RACK AND PINION RETAINING BOLTS IN THE GEAR HOUSING.INSTALL RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VECHICLE.INSTALL POWER STEERING LINES ON THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY. INSTALL RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY ON THE SUBFRAME.INSTALL ******** HEAT SHIELD.INSTALL TIE ROD ENDS TO THE KNUCKLES TIGHTEN THE CASTLE NUTS AND INSTALL THE COTTER PINS.INSTALL STABILIZER BAR.INSTALL RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY RETAINING BOLTS.TORQUE THEM TO 85 - 99 FT LBS. RAISE VECHICLE UNTIL SUBFRAME CONTACTS THE BODY.INSTALL REAR SUBFRAME RETAINING BOLTS TORQUE THEM TO 83 - 112 FT LBS.INSTALL EXHAUST SYSTEM FLEX TUBE TO DUAL CONVERTER Y PIPE.INSTALL FRONT WHEELS.INSTALL A NEW PINCH BOLT IN THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING ON THE RACK INPUT SHAFT TORQUE PINCH BOLT TO 25 - 33 FT LBS.POSITION THE STEERING COLUMN OPENING WEATHER SEAL OVER THE STEERING GEAR HOUSING.LOWER THE VECHICLE FILL THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR. START THE VECHICLE AND CHECK FOR LEAKS. CHECK FOR PROPER WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND STEERING WHEEL POSITION.BLEED POWER STEERING SYSTEM.
Raise and safely support the vehicle, allowing the front suspension to hang freely.
Remove both front tire and wheel assemblies. CAUTION Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage may cause a loss of steering control and possibly, personal injury. NOTE: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which will damage the coil.
If equipped, move the intermediate shaft cover upward, then unfasten the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt.
Using a suitable puller, separate both tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
Position a suitable drain pan under the power steering fluid lines. Remove the power steering fluid line retainer, then disconnect the outlet and inlet hoses from the steering gear. Allow the fluid to drain, then plug the lines to avoid contaminating the system.
Fig. 1: Power steering fluid line routing - non-supercharged engine shown
Fig. 3: Power steering hose routing and orientation - supercharged engine shown
Remove the steering gear assembly-to-chassis mounting bolts.
Support the body with suitable jackstands to allow for the lowering of the frame.
Loosen the front frame mounting bolts.
Remove the rear frame bolts, then lower the rear of the frame about 3 inches (76mm). WARNING Do not lower the frame too far, or you could damage the engine components nearest the cowl.
Remove the steering gear assembly by maneuvering it through the left wheel well opening.
Fig. 4: Power steering gear mounting, with retainer tightening sequence and specifications
To install:
Install the rack and pinion assembly into the vehicle, maneuvering it through the left wheel well opening.
Raise the rear of the frame, then install the frame bolts and tighten to 76 ft. lbs. (103 Nm).
Install the rack and pinion assembly-to-chassis bolts. Tighten the rack mounting bolts to 50 ft. lbs. (68 Nm).
Remove the jackstands.
Apply Loctite® thread locking kit 1052624, or equivalent thread locking compound to the steering gear mounting bolts.
Install the steering gear mounting bolts, and washers, then tighten the retainers to 50 ft. lbs. (68 Nm) in the sequence shown in the accompanying figure.
Unplug and attach the power steering gear outlet and inlet hoses, then tighten the fittings to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm).
Install the power steering fluid line retainer.
Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Tighten the nuts to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm). Install a new cotter pin. Tighten the nut up to an additional 1?6 turn, or to 52 ft. lbs. (70 Nm) to align the cotter pin slot. Do not loosen the nut to install the cotter pin.
Install the intermediate shaft-to-stub shaft pinch bolt and tighten to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm). If equipped, move the intermediate shaft cover upward into position.
Install both front tire and wheel assemblies, then carefully lower the vehicle.
Refill the power steering pump reservoir, then bleed the power steering system and check for leaks.
Take the vehicle to a reputable repair shop and have the front end alignment checked and adjusted as necessary.
Break the lugnuts loose on both frt wheels. Jack up frt of vehicle. Remove wheels and remove the intermediate shaft attaching bolt. Support the subframe assembly. Remove the rear cradle bolts and lower the cradle slightly Remove the outer tierod attaching nuts and remove from spindles. Loosen and remove the power steering lines. Remove the steeing rack attaching bolts and rack.
There is a intermediate shaft between the steering column and rack and pinion that caused problems like this. Some of these were fixed under warrenty by dealers for a clunking sound in steering wheel.
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