2019-2024 KIA Sorento Steering Rack—Internal and External Pull Rods

Description

Installation Steps

1. Prepare the Vehicle

• Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues.

2. Drain Power Steering Fluid

• Locate the power steering fluid reservoir under the hood.
• Remove the reservoir cap and use a syringe or hose to drain the fluid into a catch pan.

3. Remove Front Wheels

• Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench, then lift the front of the vehicle with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
• Remove the wheels entirely.

4. Disconnect Tie Rod Ends

• Use a tie rod end separator to disconnect the inner and outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.
• Mark their positions for alignment reference during reassembly.

5. Remove Steering Column Shaft

• Under the vehicle, locate the steering column shaft where it connects to the steering rack.
• Remove the bolt/nut securing the shaft and disconnect it.

6. Detach Power Steering Hoses

• Label the inlet and outlet hoses for clarity.
• Use wrenches to disconnect the hoses from the steering rack, allowing any remaining fluid to drain.

7. Remove the Old Steering Rack

• Remove the mounting bolts securing the steering rack to the vehicle frame.
• Carefully lower the rack from under the vehicle.

8. Install the New Steering Rack

• Position the new rack and secure it with the mounting bolts. Torque to manufacturer specifications.
• Reconnect the steering column shaft and tighten the bolt/nut.

9. Reattach Hoses and Tie Rods

• Connect the power steering hoses to the new rack, ensuring proper alignment and tightness.
• Reinstall the inner and outer tie rods, torquing them to the recommended settings.

10. Refill and Bleed the System

• Add fresh power steering fluid to the reservoir.
• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to bleed air from the system. Check fluid level and top up as needed.

11. Test and Align

• Test steering responsiveness and check for leaks.
• Have the front-wheel alignment professionally adjusted to ensure proper tracking.