OEM 2007 Toyota Matrix Rack And Pinion

2007 Toyota Matrix Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the rack and pinion power steering gear on 2007 Toyota Matrix?

  A: Install the repairable rack and pinion power steering rack and pinion by covering indicated components with either power steering fluid or molybdenum disulfide lithium base grease. To begin the service and repair process disconnect the battery negative terminal while checking the center front wheel before taking away the steering pad followed by the steering wheel assembly. Both sides of the front wheels and engine under covers must be removed until you disconnect the tie rod end sub-assemblies with Special Service Tool: 09628-62011. The installation starts by using Special Service Tool: 09023-38401 to eliminate the column hole cover silencer sheet and subsequently perform the steps of steering intermediate shaft and pressure feed tube assembly separation and return tube sub-assembly removal. Both sides need front stabilizer link removal followed by disconnecting the front suspension arm sub-assemblies lower No. 1 on each side. The removal procedure continues with hood sub-assembly and cylinder head cover No. 2. Suspension of the engine assembly should be done with two engine hangers and a chain hoist with the requirement to avoid hanging the engine through any other components. Start by removing the front suspension crossmember sub-assembly followed by the steering column hole cover sub-assembly No. 1 and the steering intermediate shaft. The work requires the marking of matchmarks on the intermediate shaft with the control valve. The rack and pinion power steering rack and pinion assembly requires removal after dissolving its four bolts. To disassemble the rack and pinion power steering rack and pinion assembly users should apply Special Service Tool: 09612-00012 to clamp the assembly into a vise then remove the left and right turn pressure tubes with Special Service Tool: 09023-38201 followed by removing both tie rod end sub-assemblies from their sides. Remove the steering rack boots then proceed to remove steering rack end sub-assembly and rack guide by using Special Service Tool: 09922-10010. If you perform the removal of the power steering control valve do it methodically while protecting the control valve ring grooves from damage. Wear or damage of the power steering rack and tie rod end sub-assemblies needs to be inspected. Install the power steering control valve lower bearing while orienting it correctly after installation of the power steering cylinder tube oil seal. Proceed to mount the power steering rack and pinion assembly with its bush and cylinder end stopper before putting on the rack followed by vacuum testing for potential leaks. Follow the correct direction when placing the power steering control valve while installing its upper oil seal according to all torque requirements. The rack guide should be installed along with a total preload check before final installation of steering rack end sub-assemblies where the steering rack hole maintains its clear status. Reinstall the steering rack boots together with tie rod end sub-assemblies and steering intermediate shaft before installing the front suspension crossmember and its associated parts while following all torque specifications. The final procedure includes power steering fluid addition followed by system bleeding and leak inspection before reinstalling cylinder head cover No. 2 along with the hood sub-assembly and required adjusting steps. Finish the process by aligning the spiral cable before installing the steering wheel assembly with the steering pad while performing front wheel alignment checks with the SRS warning light examination.