Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.
See your dealer or a hitch dealer for assistance.
• The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mounted hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
• Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle when the trailer hitch is installed? If so, seal the holes when the hitch is removed. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust can get into the vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the trailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so they are installed, adjusted, and maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's brake system. If this is done, both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in the
Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Collision Sectioning Warning in the Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning in the Preface section.
Disable the SIR System. Refer to SIR Dis ...
Steering Gear Boot Replacement
Special Tools
CH-804 Drive Axle Seal Clamp Pliers
Removal Procedure
Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer
Tie Rod Replacement.
Remove the steering linkage inner tie rod nut (1).
Remove the steering gear outer boot clamp (2).
Loosen the st ...
Installation Procedure
Cut the front end upper tie bar in corresponding locations to fit the
remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed
to allow a gap of one-and-one-half-times the metal thickness at the
sectioning joint.
Create a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate from the unused portion of ...