OEM 2007 Dodge Caliber Rack And Pinion

2007 Dodge Caliber Rack And Pinion Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on 2007 Dodge Caliber?

  A: The first thing to do when repairing the steering system is to take out as much fluid from the pump as possible. Relocate the floor carpeting so the base of the column is accessible, move your front wheels straight and turn the steering wheel slightly to the right to access the bolt (3) of the intermediate shaft coupling. Take out the bolt without separating the intermediate shaft (2) from the rack and pinion shaft (4). Place the front wheels and steering wheel straight ahead and then secure them with a steering wheel holder to make sure the Clock Spring does not move. Lift and hold up the vehicle, remove the wheel mounting nuts and remove the wheel and tire together. From both sides, take out the nut (2) from the outer tie rod end (3) at the knuckle (2) and separate these parts using Remover (3), Special Tool 9360. If there are engine belly pans, remove them before unscrewing the rear and front mounts through-bolts. Take the three screws (1, 2) out of the heat shield (3) on the crossmember (4) and remove the heat shield with the screws. To start, disconnect the return hose (1) and pressure hose (2) from the rack and pinion (3), then open all the fasteners (1) holding the power steering hose routing clamps (2) to the crossmember and all the screws (1) holding the stabilizer bushing retainers (3) to the crossmember. Gently take out the two stabilizer bushing retainers. Mark the place where the front crossmember should go up against the car with a marker close to every bolt before you pull it out. Support the front crossmember by placing a transmission jack beneath it and then take out the four bolts (6) holding the front crossmember (1) to the body. Drop the crossmember low enough to reach the intermediate shaft coupling at the rack and pinion shaft and take the coupling off the pinion shaft. As needed, take off the dash seals (3, 5) and then unbolt the rack and pinion (2) from the frame crossmember with two bolts (1). Move the stabilizer bar upward so you can remove the rack and pinion from the car and take out the rack and pinion from the crossmember.