LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Ford >> 2003 >> Excursion 7.3 F, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1528 (Steering System-General Information) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Steering System >> Component Tests >> Steering Gear Grunt/Shudder Test
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Steering Gear Grunt/Shudder Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Start and run the vehicle to operating temperature.
  2. Set engine idle speed to 1200 RPM.
    3. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
  3. Rotate the steering wheel to the RH stop, then turn the steering wheel 90 degrees back from that position. Slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth approximately 1/12 of a full turn.
  4. Turn the steering wheel another 90 degrees. Slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth approximately 1/12 of a full turn.
  5. Repeat the test with the power steering fluid at different temperatures.
  6. If a light grunt is heard or a low (50-200 Hz) shudder is present, this is a normal steering system condition.
  7. If a loud grunt is heard, or a strong shudder is felt, purge the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING - 2.3L  or POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING - 3.0L . If a loud grunt or strong shudder still exists, check the power steering lines/hoses for restrictions or damage and repair as necessary. Refer to the appropriate article for the procedure. If the lines/hoses are OK, install a new steering gear. Refer to STEERING GEAR for the procedure.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals