How to Remove a Steering Box

You can find a power steering box on numerous domestic and imported vehicles. The steering box mounts to the frame of the vehicle. The power steering gearbox may not have the defined touch of the more modern rack-and-pinion steering systems, but it still plays an important part in controlling your vehicle. The steering gears are durable, but with time and usage they wear out and need either adjustment or replacement. The repair time will greatly depend on whether your engine compartment gives you enough space to work. The less space, the more parts that will need removal.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Drain pan
• Ratchet set
• Line wrench
• Tie-rod-puller
• Pitman arm puller
• Liquid wrench/WD-40

Instructions

1. Secure the vehicle by setting the parking brake and blocking the wheels. Disconnect the battery terminals after the car cools. Place a container under the steering box to collect the old fluid once you remove the pressure line with a line wrench. Keep debris from getting into the hose or steering box orifices by stuffing in a rag.

2. Loosen the clamps on the return line and remove the line. Remove the pitman arm from the steering linkage with a tie rod puller or remove the pitman arm from the shaft under the steering box with a pitman arm puller.

3. Take the steering shaft from the powering steering box input shaft, which will collapse slightly when you loosen the bolts so that you can clear the input shaft. Find the big bolts that hold the power steering box to the frame of the vehicle and remove each but be aware that the steering box will be heavy so when you remove the last bolt try to support the steering box with one of your hands.

4. Lower the steering unit down through the bottom of the vehicle engine compartment past the oil pan and lower frame of the vehicle to the ground or remove the alternator from the upper engine compartment if the fit is too tight to remove from the lower compartment. Place a clean rag over the steering rod and close the hood until you purchase your replacement part.

Tips & Warnings

• Hydraulic fluid can still sometimes escape the drain pan so place rags under the car to keep from leaving an unsafe spot in the garage or driveway after moving the vehicle.

• Do not use an open-end wrench to loosen the fittings when removing the pressure line because this type of wrench is more likely to strip the bolts and cause cuts and bruises to your hand if it slips.

References

• AutoMedia.com: Remove Steering Box