Element 2WD L4-2.4L (2003)
18. Clean off any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered section and threads. Then reconnect the tie-rod end (A) to the damper steering arms.
Install the 12 mm nut (B), and tighten it to the specified torque.
19. Install a new cotter pin (c), and bend it as shown (D) or (E).
20. Install the steering joint (A), and reconnect the steering shaft (B) and pinion shaft (C). Make sure the steering joint is connected as follows:
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Insert the upper end of the steering joint onto the steering shaft (line up the bolt hole (D) with the flat portion (E) on the shaft).
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Slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft (line up the bolt hole with the groove (F) around the shaft), and loosely install the
lower joint bolt. Be sure that the lower joint bolt is securely in the groove in the pinion shaft.
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Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated. Then install the upper joint bolt and tighten it. Tighten the lower
joint bolt to specified torque.
21. Install the driver's dashboard under cover.
22. Install the front wheel, then set the wheels in the straight ahead position.
23. Center the cable reel by first rotating it clockwise until it stops. Then rotate it counterclockwise (about two and a half turns) until the arrow mark
on the label points straight up. Reinstall the steering wheel.
24. Fill the system with power steering fluid, and bleed air from the system.
25. After installation, perform the following checks.
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Start the engine, allow it to idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up the fluid. Check the gearbox for leaks.
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Perform the front toe inspection.
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Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steering wheel and rack are not centered),
correct the engagement of the joint/ pinion shaft serrations, then adjust the front toe by turning the tie-rods, if necessary.
