How do you replace the steering gear on a 2000 Town Country van?

Answer 1

The steering gear is a rack and pinion type unit. To replace it:

1) Tie the steering wheel in place so that it cannot turn, then disconnect the steering column from the rack.

2) Disconnect the two hoses from the rack. Be sure to catch the Power Steering fluid and dispose of it in accordance with local regulations.

3) Remove the front wheels and the outer tie rod ends.

4) Lower the back half of the front subframe about 4 inches.

5) Unbolt the steering rack

6) Mounting hardware, then remove the rack.

7) Reverse this process to install the new unit.

8) Fill and bleed the powersteering fluid using the correct (+3 or +4) type of power steering fluid as specified in the owner's manual.

9) Set the toe-in.

Note that when starting the engine for the first time with the new rack it is critical to keep your body clear of the steering wheel. If you have accidentally reversed the fluid lines to the rack, the steering wheel may gyrate back and forth at high speed and with great force posing a risk of injury, or it can cause a hose to burst.