If you’re here, your arms probably hurt from having to turn the steering wheel so much and you decided it’s time to fix it. The problem? Probably the steering gearbox (hence you’re here) is broken. If you don’t feel like paying a mechanic a hefty sum of money, then you’re in the right place. By following the steps below you should be able to replace your faulty gear box with ease.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Socket set and ratchet
- Torque wrench
- Breaker bar
- Wrenches (standard and adjustable)
- Pry bar
- Drain pan
- New steering gear box
- Power steering fluid
1.Prepare the Truck
Make sure the truck is on flat ground with the engine turned off and wait for it to cool down. If needed, raise the front of the truck with a jack and secure it with jack stands to give you better access to the components.
2.Drain the Power Steering Fluid
Put the drain pan under the power steering system and disconnect the power steering lines from the gear box. The fluid will drain completely.
3.Locate the Steering Gear Box
You’ll find the steering gear box on the driver’s side of the truck, mounted to the frame rail. Now pay close attention because it gets a bit more complex.
4.Disconnect the Steering Linkages
Next, remove the bolts that secure the pitman arm to the steering gear box using a breaker bar. Now you can detach the pitman arm; you may need a puller tool if it is stuck. Disconnect the input shaft and the tie rods attached to the gear box and make sure all connections are safely loosened and removed.
5.Remove the Old Steering Gear Box
Get a socket and ratchet, unbolt the steering gear box from the frame of the truck, and lower it out of position. Since it can be heavy, ask someone to help you or use a hoist to make sure that you don’t hurt yourself.
6.Install the New Steering Gear Box
Put the new steering gear box in place and align it with the mounting holes on the frame rail. Tighten the bolts and you’re done. Double-check that the gear box is mounted properly.
7.Reconnect Steering Components
Now it’s time to reattach the pitman arm to the gear box and tighten it well. Reconnect the input shaft and tie rods, secure them into place and you’re done with this step.
8.Reconnect Power Steering Lines
Attach the power steering fluid lines to the new gear box, but first, verify that all connections are tight and leak-proof.
9.Refill Power Steering Fluid
Refill the power steering reservoir and start the engine. You want to turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few times to bleed the system and remove air pockets.
10.Test the System
Now it’s time to start the truck and test the steering system. Turn it all the way on both sides and see if it feels right. It’s a good measure to take a short test drive just to be sure everything works well.
Conclusion
If you complete all the steps above, your steering wheel should move smoothly and your truck will feel brand new, and most importantly, you saved a couple hundred bucks that you would’ve paid a mechanic for the replacement. Stay safe and keep hauling!
