Steering gear — removal and installation (Peugeot 305)

1. The Peugeot 305 uses two types of standard rack and pinion steering mechanisms, which differ mainly in the tie rods and their ends. On early models, the outer ends of the steering rods have ball joints that are integral with the rods (see photo). The toe-in of the front wheels is adjusted on the inner joints of the rods, located under the rubber boots. On the latest models, the ball joints are designed as tips screwed onto the rods and secured with lock nuts. The toe-in of the front wheels is adjusted by changing the effective length of the rods, which requires loosening the lock nuts and screwing the rods into the ends or, conversely, unscrewing them. Although the steering on early and late models is interchangeable (including ball joints), its individual parts are not interchangeable. The steering rack and pinion mechanism itself is located behind the engine (see photo).


2. To remove the steering gear, loosen the front wheel nuts and jack up and support the front of the car. Remove the wheels.



3. Disconnect the ball joints at the ends of the tie rods. On earlier models, use a ball joint puller; on later models, loosen the lock nuts on the outer ends of the tie rods and remove the tie rods from the mounts.



4. While working in the passenger compartment, loosen the clamp bolt located under the dashboard on the lower end of the steering column elastic coupling.



5. Unscrew the 2 upward-facing nuts on the flexible coupling and disconnect the steering column from the coupling.



6. Working under the car, unscrew and remove the 2 bolts securing the steering gear box to the body.





7. Carefully remove the steering gear.



8. Repair or overhaul of the steering mechanism must be carried out by a specialist with the necessary equipment. Check the condition of the elastic coupling and replace it if in doubt. When replacing the coupling, it is necessary to install new self-locking nuts and tighten them to the required torque. Similarly, replace the rubber boots if they are worn or damaged. If there are cracks in the covers through which grease is leaking, you should contact a specialist to check the internal hinges, which may have become contaminated with dirt and dust. When replacing covers, check that the wire clips are installed correctly (see B/Figure 9.30), and position the "ears" of the clamps so that after installing the steering gear they point downwards (see photo). Clean the mounting bolts and bolt hole threads.






9. Before installing the steering mechanism in place, check that the steering wheel is strictly centered and align the rack of the mechanism in the center (see B/Figure 9.31).



10. Install the steering gear back into place. Lubricate the threads of the 2 mounting bolts with thread locking compound and install new washers. Insert the bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.



11. Connect the lower end of the steering column to the flexible coupling, install 2 new self-locking nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.

12. Install the steering column lock. Move the steering wheel up and down until it stops and set it to the middle position. Tighten the clamp bolt at the bottom of the flexible coupling to the required torque.

13. Connect the outer ends of the transverse tie rods to the steering knuckle arms. On early models, install the ball joint pins into the control arms and secure them with new self-locking nuts, tightening them to the specified torque. On the latest models, screw the cross rods into the ball joints as shown in B/Figure 9.32 (the distance shown in the figure should be 53 mm).



14. Replace the front wheels, lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque.

15. Adjust the front wheel alignment (see next section).