OEM 2004 Toyota RAV4 Rack And Pinion

2004 Toyota RAV4 Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and install the Rack And Pinion assembly on 2004 Toyota RAV4?

  A: Begin the rack and pinion removal process by making the front wheels parallel with each other then removing both the pad and steering wheel. The No. 2 intermediate shaft assembly and steering column hole cover need removal by first detaching the clamp then releasing them from the dash panel. Start by disconnecting the right-hand and left-hand tie rod ends before disconnecting the stabilizer bar through removal of its 4 bolts without removing the bar itself. Disconnect the pressure feed and return tubes from the PS rack and pinion through the use of Special Service Tool: 09023-12700 by unscrewing the 2 securing bolts. The PS rack and pinion assembly removal process requires you to remove two mounting bolts before you detach steering column hole cover and clamp by marking matching points between steering intermediate extension and control valve shaft and then remove the bolt and extension and finally take out the PS rack and pinion assembly guarding against damaging the turn pressure tubes. During assembly, first install the PS rack and pinion assembly by aligning matchmarks and fasten the bolt with 35 Nm torque which equals 380 kgf-cm (26 ft. lbs.). After putting on the steering column hole cover with clamp on the control valve shaft, install both installation bolts for the PS rack and pinion assembly at 137 Nm (1,400 kgf-cm, 101 ft. lbs.). To complete the installation of pressure feed and return tubes on the PS rack and pinion use two bolts which need 12.5 Nm (130 kgf-cm, 9 ft. lbs.) torque while using the Special Service Tool: 09023-12700 to achieve 40 Nm (410 kgf-cm, 29 ft. lbs.) torque with a torque wrench having a 345 mm (13.58 inches) fulcrum length. Follow the stabilizer bar bolt installation with 4 torques at 29 Nm (380 kgf-cm, 22 ft. lbs.), then attach the right-hand and left-hand tie rod ends and steering column hole cover by tightening its clamp. A correct installation of the No. 2 intermediate shaft assembly requires straight front wheels preferably elevated by jack for proper alignment of the spiral cable before installing the steering wheel with matched components and temporary steering wheel set nut tightness. The power steering system requires a bleeding procedure after which the steering wheel should be positioned properly while torquing the steering wheel set nut to 34 Nm (350 kgf-cm, 25 ft. lbs.). Next, install the steering wheel pad then verify the front wheel alignment.