LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Ford >> 2002 >> Excursion 6.8 S, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1178 (Steering System-General Information) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Steering System >> Pinpoint Tests >> Pinpoint Test D: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy >> Pinpoint Test D: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Pinpoint Test D: Steering Is Very Difficult/Very Easy

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. D1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS AND THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT 
    NOTE: Be sure to keep the clockspring centered when disconnecting the steering column shaft. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
      WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
    • If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system.
    • Check the steering column and shaft for grounding.
    • Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
    • Verify the intermediate shaft U-joints do not bind and move freely and that the steering column bearing rotates freely.
    • Are the steering column bearing and steering column shaft U-joints OK? 

    Yes  : GO to D2.

    No  : If the steering column or shaft are grounding, repair as necessary. If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to  D4STEERING COLUMN .

    If the steering column bearings or the shaft are binding. INSTALL a new steering column shaft or steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to  D4.

  2. D2 CHECK THE FRONT BALL JOINTS 

    Yes  : GO to D3.

    No  : INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to  D4.

  3. D3 MONITOR ENGINE RPM CHANGES 
    NOTE: Make sure the vehicle is on a flat, dry surface.
    • 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? 

    Yes  : If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm changes, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to D4.

    If left-to-right variation is present, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to D4.

    If no power steering assist is present and the engine rpm does not change, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to D4.

    If excessive effort is required in one or both directions, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to POWER STEERING . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to D4.

    No  : CARRY OUT the PUMP FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST . If equipped with fire suppression system, GO to D4.

  4. D4 REPOWER THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM 
      WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
    • Verify that the fire suppression system is repowered. Refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
    • Is the fire suppression system repowered? 

    Yes  : Fire suppression system repowering is complete.

    No  : REFER to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM for fire suppression system depowering and repowering procedure.

scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals