Inspection of the Rack and Pinion Steering Gear
Warning: All steering system components are critical for safe operation of the vehicle. Failure to maintain the steering system as specified may result in loss of steering control, which could lead to personal injury and property damage.
Inspect the rack and pinion steering system as described below, and repair or replace any components that are worn or damaged. Figure. shows the components of the rack and pinion steering system.
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Steering Tie Rod Arm
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Power Steering Fluid Lines
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Large Bellows Clamp
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Bellows
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Small Bellows Clamp
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Driver-Side Outer Tie Rod
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Tie Rod Jam Nut
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Inner Tie Rod Flat
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Inner Tie Rod Ball Joint
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Input Shaft Seal Cover
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I-shaft Upper Yoke
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I-shaft Lower Yoke Boot Clamp
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I-shaft Lower Yoke Boot
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I-shaft Lower End Yoke
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Transfer Line Tube Fittings
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Power Steering Fluid Line Fittings
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I-shaft Slip Joint
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Transfer Lines
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Rack and Pinion Gear
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Pinch Bolt
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Tie Rod Clamp
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Tie Rod Clamp Nut
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Passenger-Side Outer Tie Rod
Fig. 1, Rack and Pinion Steering System
- Park the vehicle on a level surface, shut down the engine, and set the parking brake. Chock the tires.
- Check the steering I-shaft U-joints for evidence of looseness or binding. If any is found, replace the I-shaft.
- Check the steering I-shaft slip joint for evidence of lateral movement, looseness, or binding. If any is found, replace the I-shaft.
- Jack up one axle end at a time, and move the tire in and out by hand to check the tie rod ends for free play. No free play is allowed. If the outer tie rod ends are damaged or worn, replace them. See of the Cascadia Workshop Manual for replacement instructions.
- Check the steering gear mounting bolts for security.
- Check that the outer tie rod castle nuts are tight, and the cotter pins are properly installed.
- Use a clean rag to remove all dirt and debris from the bellows. Check the bellows for holes or tears. If any are found, replace the bellows.
- Check for evidence of hydraulic fluid leakage from the bellows. If hydraulic fluid is found to be leaking from within the bellows, replace the steering gear.
- Check the input shaft for any leakage around the input
shaft seal cover. If there is evidence of leakage from inside the
cover, remove it and replace the input shaft seal. See of the Cascadia Workshop Manual for instructions.Check the steering system pressure and return lines and fittings for leaks and damaged lines or hoses. Repair or replace lines, hoses, and fittings as necessary.
- Check the tube fittings on the hard transfer lines of the gear, see Fig., Item 15. If there is leakage from either of the fittings, replace the steering gear.
Important: Do not remove the bellows unless they are damaged and require replacement, or there is evidence of a loose inner tie rod or there is hydraulic fluid leak.
Notice: Do not tighten the tube fittings on the hard transfer lines. Tightening the tube fittings can cause tearing of the O-ring seal and increased fluid leakage.