Steering Gear: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Special Tool(s)
NOTE:
New Teflon® seals must be installed any time the lines are disconnected from the steering gear.
- Hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position using a suitable holding device.
- Place the vehicle on a hoist. Make sure that the transmission is in NEUTRAL. For additional information, refer to IDENTIFICATION CODES .
- Remove the parts in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.PARTS REMOVAL SEQUENCE
Part Steps Steering gear 1-9 Tie rod end 1, 10, 11 Teflon® seals 4-6 - To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Fill and leak test the system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM FILLING .
- Check and, if necessary, adjust the front end alignment. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
CAUTION:
When repairing the power steering system, care should be taken to prevent the entry of contaminants or premature failure of the power steering components can result.
CAUTION:
Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
.