Complete removal and replacement of the power steering gear box (steering rack) on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including disconnection of steering linkage, hydraulic lines, and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering gear box assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Pitman arm nut (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock with steering wheel lock or tape to column
4. Mark steering wheel position with tape at 12 o'clock position for reference
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove front wheels using appropriate socket
7. Place drain pan under steering gear box area
8. Clean steering gear box mounting area and hydraulic fittings with brake cleaner
9. Take photos of steering linkage configuration for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues during repair. This is especially important on diesel models with electronic steering angle sensors and stability control systems.
2. 2

   Remove skid plate and access panels
   Remove the front skid plate if equipped. Remove any belly pans or access panels that restrict access to the steering gear box mounting area. On 4WD models, you may need to remove transfer case skid plates to access upper mounting bolts.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering pressure and return lines
   Using power steering line wrenches to prevent rounding, disconnect the pressure line fitting from the steering gear box. Position drain pan to catch fluid. Disconnect the return line. Cap or plug all open ports immediately to prevent contamination. Inspect O-rings and fittings for damage. Note the routing of lines for reinstallation.
   ⚠Power steering fluid will drain rapidly. Have drain pan positioned and ready.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Pressure Line Fitting46 Nm (34 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect pitman arm
   Using a paint pen or center punch, mark the relationship between the pitman arm and steering gear box sector shaft to ensure proper alignment during reinstallation. Remove the pitman arm nut. Use a pitman arm puller to separate the pitman arm from the sector shaft. Do not hammer on the arm or use heat as this can damage components.
   ⚠Pitman arm is under tension. Use proper puller tool to avoid injury from sudden release.
5. 5

   Disconnect drag link from pitman arm
   If necessary for clearance, remove the cotter pin from the drag link castle nut at the pitman arm connection. Remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the drag link from the pitman arm. Be careful not to damage the boot or threads.
   ℹ️Using a pickle fork will likely damage the tie rod boot. Have replacement available if using this method.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Support steering gear box
   Position a floor jack or transmission jack under the steering gear box to support its weight during removal. The gear box weighs approximately 30-40 pounds and is awkward to handle in the confined space.
7. 7

   Remove steering gear box mounting bolts
   Locate the steering gear box mounting bolts securing the unit to the frame rail. There are typically three mounting bolts. Remove these bolts while supporting the gear box with the jack. Note the position of any spacers, washers, or shims for reinstallation.
   ⚠Ensure gear box is properly supported before removing final mounting bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove steering gear box from vehicle
   Carefully lower the steering gear box using the jack while guiding it clear of the frame and any obstructions. You may need to rotate or angle the unit to clear the mounting area. Remove from under the vehicle. Inspect the mounting location on the frame for damage or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Prepare new steering gear box
   Remove all shipping plugs and protective caps from the new steering gear box. Install new O-rings on all hydraulic fittings, lubricating them lightly with clean ATF+4. Verify the new unit matches the old unit in all mounting points and connection locations. Check that the sector shaft is in the center position.
   ℹ️Do not rotate the sector shaft on the new gear box from its centered position or damage may occur during installation.
10. 10

    Install new steering gear box
    Using the jack to support the new gear box, carefully maneuver it into position on the frame rail. Align the mounting holes while ensuring hydraulic line ports face the correct direction. Thread in all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Align with any existing shims or spacers from original installation.
11. 11

    Torque steering gear box mounting bolts
    Following the tightening sequence specified in the service manual, torque the steering gear box mounting bolts to specification. Tighten in a progressive pattern to ensure even seating. Verify the gear box sits flush against the frame with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Rack Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect pitman arm
    Clean the sector shaft and pitman arm taper with brake cleaner. Align the marks made during disassembly. Install the pitman arm onto the sector shaft, ensuring the splines engage fully and alignment marks match. Install the pitman arm nut and torque to specification per service manual (typically 180-220 lb-ft for this application, verify with manual).
    ⚠Pitman arm must be installed in original position to maintain steering wheel centering.
13. 13

    Reconnect drag link to pitman arm
    If previously disconnected, reconnect the drag link to the pitman arm. Ensure the taper is clean and seats fully. Install and torque the castle nut to specification. Install a new cotter pin and bend to secure. Verify there is no excessive play in the connection.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Connect power steering hydraulic lines
    Remove all protective caps and plugs from the steering gear box and hydraulic lines. Install the pressure line first, ensuring the new O-ring is properly seated. Thread by hand first, then torque to specification using a power steering line wrench. Install the return line and torque to specification. Verify both connections are secure and O-rings are not pinched.
    Torque spec

    Pressure Line Fitting46 Nm (34 lb-ft)

    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall skid plates and wheels
    Reinstall all skid plates, access panels, and protective covers removed during disassembly. Reinstall front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect battery negative terminal
2. Fill power steering reservoir with Mopar ATF+4 fluid to proper level
3. With engine off, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock 10-15 times to purge air from system
4. Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock again while checking for leaks
5. Top off power steering fluid as needed and verify no air bubbles in reservoir
6. Remove steering wheel lock and verify steering wheel is centered with wheels straight
7. Test drive vehicle in safe area to verify steering operation
8. Recheck all hydraulic connections for leaks after test drive
9. Schedule four-wheel alignment as soon as possible after repair

Verification

• Verify steering wheel returns to center when released during slow-speed turns
• Check that steering effort is consistent in both directions without binding
• Inspect all hydraulic line connections for leaks with engine running
• Verify power steering fluid level is correct and fluid is not foaming
• Confirm no unusual noises from steering gear box during operation
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight (alignment required for final verification)
• Check that all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
• Verify pitman arm nut is secure and properly torqued
• Confirm no play or looseness in steering system by having helper turn wheel while you inspect connections underneath
• Test drive vehicle and verify steering response is normal without wandering or pulling

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