Festiva L4-81 1.3L SOHC EFI (1989)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Disassembly and Assembly
Manual
Fig. 1 Exploded View Of Steering Gear Assembly
DISASSEMBLE
1.
Remove mount brackets and rubber mounts, then position steering gear in suitable soft jaw vise.
2.
Mark position of tie rod ends in relation to tie rods, then remove tie rod ends and boots.
3.
Disengage tab washers from ball joints using suitable tool, extend rack from either side of housing, then remove tie rods from rack.
4.
Remove rack preload adjusting screw and jam nut from yoke cover, Fig. 1.
5.
Remove cover and yoke spring from housing, then the spacer and yoke.
6.
Carefully pry pinion oil seal from housing, then remove seal spacer, snap ring and pinion and bearing assembly.
7.
Remove rack from pinion side of housing. If rack is removed through right side (bushing end) of housing, damage to bushing may result.
8.
If pinion lower bearing is to be replaced, remove it at this time using suitable slide hammer type puller.
9.
Press the three rack support bushing lock tabs inward, then remove bushing from right side of housing using puller mentioned in previous step.
INSPECTION
1.
Inspect rack and pinion gear teeth for abnormal wear, and steering gear housing for cracks or damage. Replace components as necessary.
2.
Position rack in V blocks, then check runout in center portion of rack using suitable dial indicator. If runout exceeds .012 inch, replace rack and
pinion gear.
3.
Rotate pinion bearings and check for looseness or rough operation. If upper bearing requires replacement, replace bearing and pinion gear as an
assembly.
4.
Check fit of rack support bushing on rack for looseness or abnormal wear. Replace bushing as necessary.
5.
Check tie rod ball joints and tie rod ends for free flexing without excessive looseness. Replace joints and tie rod ends as required.
6.
Check tie rods for bending and boots for cuts, nicks or abrasions. Replace parts as necessary.
