2. Remove wheel trim (where necessary) and loosen the wheel nuts.
3. Jack up the front of the car and support it on axle stands. Remove the wheel.
4. Remove the outer tie rod ball joint as described in Chapter 25 of this Section. Carefully clean the steering linkage and unscrew the ball joint locknut.
5. The procedure now differs depending on the steering system used and the side being serviced.
Direct action steering (left-hand side)
6. Remove or loosen the brackets and pull the ball joint dust cap along the steering rod.
7. Mark the connection of the rubber protective boot with the steering gear housing with paint, then remove or loosen the brackets, pull the protective cover inward along the casing until it is freed from the steering gear shock absorber suspension.
8. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and disconnect the inner ball joint and tie rod from the steering rack (see Chapter 26 of this Section).
9. Pull the protective cover off the gear housing and check its condition. Similarly, remove and check the dust cap. Replace them if they are worn, damaged or leaking. Replace the staples.
10. When assembling, clean the gear housing and steering rod. Install the protective boot and brackets on the gear housing, install the steering rod and inner ball joint on the rack (see Chapter 26 of this Section).
11. Apply a suitable sealant to the boot mating surfaces on the gear housing, place the boot on the housing and on the steering shock mount; align the marks made during removal. Pull the dust cap into place, secure the protective cover and cover, installing new brackets.
12. If the boot brackets are made of wire with a loop at each end, they are installed as follows. Wrap the staple around the groove of the boot twice, with the ends at the back (when the steering gear is installed in the car). Place a screwdriver through the loops and twist them together 4-4.5 turns. Do not overtighten the staples. Bend the curved end so that it does not touch other components.
Fig. 10.34. Direct steering elements: 1. Steering shock absorber mounting bolt Steering linkage and inner ball joint assembly Steering gear housing; 2. Gear assembly; 3. Steering rack; 4. Gear nut; 5. Lock nut; 6. Oil seal; 7. Guide shoe; 8. Spring; 9. Regulator; 10. Lock nut; 11. Spring seat; 12. Washer; 13. Washer; 14. Protective cover bracket; 15. Protective coating; 16. Protective cover bracket; 17. Steering gear shock absorber suspension; 18. Protective cover bracket; 19. Locking plate; 20. Dust cap bracket; 21. Anti-dust cap; 22. Dust cap bracket; 23. Outer tie rod ball joint locknut; 24. External ball joint of steering rod; 25. Outer tie rod ball joint locknut; 26. Pin; 27. Steering gear support cushion; 28. Steering gear support clamp; 29. Clamp bolt; 30. Steering shock absorber
Direct action steering (Right side) and power steering (both sides)
13. Use paint to mark the connection between the rubber protective boot and the steering gear housing, disconnect the breather pipe (if available), then remove or loosen the brackets, pull the protective cover off the tie rod.
14. Check the condition of the protective cover, replace it if there are signs of damage or leakage. Replace the staples.
15. When assembling, clean the gear housing and steering rod. Don't forget to lubricate the inner ball joint.
16. Apply a suitable sealant to the boot mating surfaces on the gear housing (both systems) and steering rod (power steering). Pull the protective cover into place, aligning the marks made during removal.
All models
17. Install the outer tie rod ball joint and wheel, lower the vehicle to the ground, check wheel alignment and steering angles (see Chapter 25 of this Section).