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Home >> Ford >> 2001 >> Excursion 5.4 L, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 407 (Steering System) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Steering System >> Connector Reference and Terminal Readings >> PINPOINT TEST F: Steering is Very Difficult/Very Easy >> Test Procedure
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Test Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the intermediate shaft. Refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

  1. F1 - CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
    • Check the steering column and intermediate shaft for grounding.
    • Disconnect the steering column intermediate shaft at the steering column.
    • Verify that the intermediate shaft universal joints do not bind and move freely and that the steering column bearing rotates freely.
    • Are the steering column bearing and intermediate shaft universal joints OK? 
      1. Yes  : GO to F2.
      2. No  : If the steering column or the intermediate shaft are grounding, repair as necessary. If the steering column bearings or the intermediate shaft are binding. INSTALL a new intermediate shaft or steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN  in this section.

  2. F2 - CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS

    • Check that the front ball joints move freely and are not binding or sticking. Refer to FRONT article.
    • Are the front ball joints OK? 
      1. Yes  : GO to F3.
      2. No  : INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. REFER to FRONT article.
    3. NOTE: Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat dry surface

  3. F3 - MONITOR ENGINE RPM CHANGES
    • Key in START position.
      • CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur.
    • Turn the steering wheel once to the left stop position and then to the right stop position.
    • Note the engine RPM during the turns.
    • Does the engine RPM change when turning the steering wheel? 
      1. Yes  : If no power steering assist is present and the engine RPM changes, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to STEERING GEAR  in this section.

        If left-to-right variation is present, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to STEERING GEAR  in this section.

        If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING PUMP  in this section.

      2. No  : INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING PUMP  in the section.
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