Disconnect steering gear spline from steering column.

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Fig. 22: Removing/Installing Power Steering Assembly & Torque Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO, U.S.A.
REMOVAL
CAUTION:
The rotation of the driver air bag spiral cable is limited. If the
steering gear must be removed, set the front wheels in the
straight-ahead direction. Do not rotate the steering column while
the steering gear is removed.
â€
Remove the steering wheel and spiral cable before removing the
steering lower joint to avoid damaging the SRS spiral cable.
â€
1. Remove the two front tires with power tool.
2. Disconnect the outer tie-rod ends with Tool.
3. Disconnect the outer swaybar ends with power tool.
Fig. 23: Disconnecting Outer Tie-Rod Ends With Tool
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO, U.S.A.
4. Remove the swaybar bracket rear bolts and loosen the front bolts with power tool.
Fig. 24: Removing Swaybar Bracket Rear Bolts & Torque Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO, U.S.A.
5. Remove the lower joint pinch bolt.
Fig. 25: Removing Lower Joint Pinch Bolt & Torque Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO, U.S.A.
6. Disconnect the power steering high and low pressure lines from the steering gear.
7. Reposition the swaybar up and out of the way.
8. Remove the two steering gear mounting bolts.
†Do not remove the steering gear mounting bracket from the gear housing.
9. Remove the power steering gear and linkage assembly.
Fig. 26: Removing Steering Gear Mounting Bolts & Torque Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO, U.S.A.
10.. Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
†Install pipe connector.
Use the specified tightening torque when installing the high-pressure and low-pressure
pipe connections. Excessive tightening will damage threads of connection or O-ring.
â€
POWER STEERING SYSTEM -2002 Nissan Altima SE Page 1 of 2
11/27/2011
Fig. 27: Installing Pipe Connector & Torque Specifications
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO, U.S.A.
The O-ring in low-pressure pipe connector is larger than that in high-pressure connector.
Take care to install the proper O-ring.
â€
Initially, tighten nut on tie-rod outer socket and knuckle arm to specification. Then
tighten further to align nut groove with first pin hole so that the cotter pin can be
installed.
â€
Outer tie rod grooved nut : 29 - 39 N.M (3 - 4 kg-m, 22 - 29 ft-lb)
CAUTION: Tightening torque must not exceed 49 N.M (5 kg-m, 36 ft-lb).

Have you tried spreading the clamp on the steering shaft to steering gear input where the pinch bolt goes?

Ok. Let us know.

Lubrication and patience. It sounds like they've frozen together.

I have seen where the flat gets so rusted it wont move past the splines. Tough one for sure

Excellent addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)