This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering gear box (rack and pinion assembly) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering gear box (rack and pinion assembly) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Steering intermediate shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota ATF Dexron III — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock it with a steering wheel lock or secure to seat with bungee cord to prevent rotation
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Remove engine under covers and splash shields to access steering gear
7. Place drain pan under steering gear area
8. Use turkey baster or pump to remove as much power steering fluid as possible from reservoir

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Remove the cotter pins from both tie rod end castle nuts using pliers. Loosen but do not remove the castle nuts. Use a tie rod end separator tool to disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Remove the castle nuts and separate the tie rod ends completely. Mark or measure the position of the tie rods on the rack for approximate reinstallation position.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect steering intermediate shaft
   From inside the vehicle or through the access hole in the firewall, locate the steering intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the steering column where it connects to the steering gear input shaft. Mark the relationship between the shaft and gear for reassembly. Remove the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Slide the shaft upward off the gear input splines. Do not rotate the steering wheel from this point forward.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering pressure and return lines
   Locate the power steering pressure line (high pressure) and return line connections on the steering gear. Place a drain pan below the connections. Using a line wrench if available, carefully loosen and disconnect the pressure line fitting from the steering gear. Remove and discard the O-ring. Disconnect the return line fitting and remove the O-ring. Allow fluid to drain completely. Cap or plug the lines and gear ports to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Power steering fluid will drain from both the lines and the gear. Have absorbent materials ready.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Pressure Line Fitting32 Nm (24 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove steering gear mounting brackets and bolts
   Locate the two steering rack mounting brackets that secure the gear to the front subframe or crossmember. Remove the mounting bracket bolts on both sides. The brackets may need to be removed separately or may come off with the gear depending on design. Support the steering gear as you remove the final mounting bolt.
   ⚠Support the steering gear before removing the final mounting bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove steering gear from vehicle
   With all mounting bolts and connections removed, carefully maneuver the steering gear assembly out through the wheel well opening on the driver's side. This may require rotating the gear and feeding the passenger side tie rod through the opening first. The gear is heavy, so use proper lifting technique. Inspect the mounting bushings in the brackets for wear and replace if necessary.
6. 6

   Prepare new steering gear for installation
   Remove the protective caps from the new steering gear ports. Install new O-rings on all power steering line fittings, lubricating them lightly with clean power steering fluid. Ensure the new gear is in the center position by measuring equal tie rod extension on both sides. If tie rods were transferred from the old gear, verify they are at the same position as marked during removal.
7. 7

   Install steering gear into vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the new steering gear assembly into position through the driver's side wheel well opening. Align the mounting holes with the subframe or crossmember. Install the mounting brackets and bolts finger-tight initially. Ensure the gear input shaft is accessible for intermediate shaft connection before fully tightening.
8. 8

   Torque steering gear mounting bolts
   With the steering gear properly positioned and aligned in the mounting brackets, torque the mounting bolts to specification in an alternating pattern to ensure even pressure. Verify the gear can move slightly in its bushings but is securely mounted without excessive play.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect power steering lines
   Connect the power steering pressure line to the steering gear, ensuring the new O-ring is properly seated. Hand-thread the fitting several turns to ensure proper engagement. Torque the pressure fitting to specification. Connect the return line with its new O-ring and torque to specification. Verify both fittings are secure and properly aligned.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Pressure Line Fitting32 Nm (24 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect steering intermediate shaft
    Align the steering intermediate shaft with the steering gear input shaft, matching the marks made during disassembly. Ensure the splines are fully engaged and the shaft is seated completely. Install the new pinch bolt and torque according to manufacturer specifications. Verify the connection is secure and there is no play between the shaft and gear.
11. 11

    Reconnect tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Insert the tie rod end studs into the steering knuckle tapers. Install the castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and tie rod end studs. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure. Verify both tie rod ends are fully seated in the knuckle tapers.
    ℹ️If the cotter pin hole does not align after torquing, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Fill and bleed power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with Toyota ATF Dexron III to the cold fill line. Remove the steering wheel lock. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to purge air from the system. Check fluid level and add as needed. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock to lock slowly several times while checking for leaks at all connections. Top off fluid to the hot fill line once the system reaches operating temperature.
    ⚠Do not hold the steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds to prevent pump damage.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers and splash shields
2. Install both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
3. Lower vehicle to ground
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal
5. Check power steering fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from power steering line connections or gear housing
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check power steering fluid level with engine at operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify proper steering response and feel
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as tie rod positions may have changed

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