How to Install a New Steering Rack in a Nissan Maxima

The sixth generation Nissan Maxima was offered from 2004 to 2008. This Maxima is popular among used vehicle buyers because it was longer, wider and more powerful than its predecessors. Changes from year to year were kept to a minimum, so when considering the sixth generation Maxima, there's no need to pursue a particular year. The following steps detail the removal and installation of the steering rack on those models.

Things You'll Need

• Mechanic's toolset, including a full socket set, wrenches and screwdrivers
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator
• Replacement parts

Instructions

Remove the Steering Rack

1. Take both the positive and ground cables from the battery; then wait 10 minutes in order to disarm the air bag system. Use the steering wheel to set the front tires straight ahead. Lock the steering to keep the tires aligned.

2. Disconnect the steering column lower joint after removing the steering wheel to avoid damage to the Supplemental Restraint System cable. Elevate the vehicle. Take off the front wheels.

3. Disengage the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Take out the front exhaust tube and position a support under the engine. Remove the bolts that attach the engine mounts to the center member, then remove the center member.

4. Pull the front stabilizer bar. Remove the nuts from the hole cover on the bulkhead. Push the hole cover to the side and take the lower joint from the rack and pinion.

5. Make a mark on the pinion shaft and another on the the pinion housing to note the steering neutral position. Remove the power steering fluid pipes, then remove mounting bracket bolts. Remove the rack and pinion.

Install the Steering Rack

1. Set the rack and pinion in position and set the mounting brackets in place. Torque the nuts in sequence to 54 to 72 foot pounds.

2. Install new O-rings on the power steering fluid pipes. Connect the fluid pipes to the rack and pinion. Torque the lower pressure line to 20 to 29 foot pounds. Torque the high pressure line to 11 to 18 foot pounds.

3. Line up the lower steering joint with the pinion shaft, then install the joint to the shaft. Tighten the bolt to 17 to 22 foot pounds. Replace the hole cover and torque the fasteners to 36 to 43 inch pounds.

4. Put the the front stabilizer in place. Replace the engine mounting center member and fasten the bolts to 57 to 72 foot pounds. Torque the bolts on the engine mounts to the center member to 57 to 72 foot pounds and then remove the support from the engine.

5. Reconnect or install all the remaining components in the reverse order of removal. Torque the tie rod end nuts to 22 to 29 foot pounds and then put a new cotter pin in place.

6. Fill the power steering reservoir and then bleed the the lines. Check the front end alignment and adjust as needed.