The steering gearbox in a Nissan Xterra translates the twisting motion from the steering wheel into turning the wheels side to side. Over time, the gears inside the gearbox can start to wear out, making the steering feel more sloppy, with less precision than a factory vehicle. Replacing the gearbox will fix the problem, but first you have to remove the old one. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2001 Nissan Xtrerra, but the process is similar for other vehicles.
Place a drain pan underneath the steering gearbox. Use the line wrench to remove the power steering lines running into the gear box and allow the fluid to drain into the pan.
Unbolt the bolt securing the pitman arm to the steering box using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Install the pitman arm pulling tool onto the pitman arm, and tighten it down using the ratchet to remove the pitman arm. Pull it to the side with the steering linkage still attached.
Unbolt the steering linkage from the steering wheel to the gearbox using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then pull the linkage up and out away from the steering box.
Unbolt the steering box from the frame of the truck using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then lift it off of the frame and away from the vehicle.
