Hi guys. I'm sticking my nose in here because steering and alignment is one of my specialty areas. A paper copy of the manufacturer's service manual is definitely the right choice, but I can add some things you need to be aware of. First, this has to be done with the vehicle on a hoist so the cross member can be dropped down. Once you start reading the instructions, you might consider visiting a pick-your-own-parts salvage yard. Many of them have vehicles already safely raised up and supported on old wheels welded together. If you're really lucky, you might even find one with the engine removed, making the steering gear more accessible.
Next, the manual will list the special tools you'll need. The exhaust pipe has to be disconnected and supported. Sensors have to be unplugged. Etc.
Safety warnings will also be included. The big one that always comes to mind is you must have the steering system centered when the input shaft is disconnected, and from that point on it is imperative the steering wheel is not turned. The new steering gear has to be perfectly centered too when the input shaft is reconnected. Those steps ensure the "clock spring" is not damaged. That's a wound-up ribbon cable in a plastic housing, under the steering wheel. That ribbon cable is just long enough to accommodate turning from full-left to full-right, and little more. It will be damaged if the steering wheel is one revolution out of sync with the steering gear. We can help with its replacement if that becomes necessary.
There's also two things you overlooked. One is the engine size, transmission type, and mileage aren't listed. Way too often, removal and replacement procedures are quite different with different engines. It takes a long time to format procedural steps from our online service manuals into a format that can be uploaded, and we don't like to risk wasting a lot of time doing that for the wrong engine package. We also use the mileage to make judgement calls as to the best suspects and the best remedies.
My biggest concern is you didn't list any symptoms or problems that you're trying to solve. Some people even become offended when we ask. Imagine going to your doctor and asking for knee replacement surgery. They replace the wrong knee, then find out you had a stone in your shoe. You can see how no one is going to be happy, all due to a lack of information. A common concern in this regard is some manufacturers do not specify a way to replace a worn inner tie rod end. Their only solution is to replace the entire steering gear with two new inner tie rod ends already installed. The better solution is replacement inner tie rod ends are available from high-quality aftermarket sources at very low cost. With us looking over your shoulder, they aren't hard to replace.
Replacing the steering gear can be done by a competent do-it-yourselfer, but on this model, there are a whole bunch of things that can go wrong, eventually ending in a higher expense compared to having it done by a mechanic with a hoist. With all the right equipment and tools readily at hand, this job is listed to take 3.2 hours. That's very close to the same as for my minivans, but I know it would take me at least twice as long trying to do it on my garage floor.
If you still want to pursue this, I would be happy to copy the instructions from AllData for you, then you can continue the conversation with JACOBANDNICKOLAS. I'll sit off to the side in case you need more of my wondrous wisdom.
Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 AT 4:22 PM
