Colt Vista 4WD L4-1997cc 2.0L SOHC (1985)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Rack and Pinion
Manual Rack & Pinion Service
Fig. 3 Components of rack & pinion steering gear
Disassembly
Before disassembling, measure starting torque in neutral (center) position using torque wrench and suitable socket for reference during
reassembly.
1. Remove tie rod assembly as follows:
a. Remove bellows band, then the bellows.
b. Unstake tie rod with chisel, then remove left side ball joint.
c. Move rack fully to right, then remove left tie rod.
d. Remove right tie rod by repeating steps a through c. Never reuse a removed tie rod.
2. Remove locknut from yoke plug, then yoke plug using tool No. MB990607-A, or equivalent.
3. Remove yoke spring, cushion rubber and support yoke from gear housing.
4. Remove oil seal and snap ring, then pinion with bearing.
5. Remove bearing retainer snap ring from pinion, then bearing using tool No. MB990783, or equivalent.
6. Remove rack from gear housing.
Assembly
1. Press bearing onto pinion using tool No. MB990783 or equivalent, then install snap ring.
2. Apply multipurpose grease to rack, pinion, bushing, needle bearing and all other sliding surfaces. Do not seal off air passage in housing with
grease.
3. After installing rack into gear housing, install pinion in mesh with rack.
4. Select and install appropriate snap ring to minimize axial play of pinion. Snap rings are available in thicknesses of 0.063, 0.066 and 0.069 inch.