Steering Gear Adjustment

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM COLOR CODING .

Adjustment 

1. NOTE: The engine should not be running.

   Turn the steering wheel to right lock, then to left lock at least once.

2. Remove the LH fender splash shield. Refer to: Fender Splash Shield .
3. NOTE: The front wheels should not touch the ground.

   Rotate the steering wheel to the left stop and then back to its centered position (approximately two turns from the stop).

4. NOTE: If the meshload becomes too tight at any point, loosen the adjustment screw one full turn and readjust as necessary.
   NOTE: If leaking or if a leak occurs after adjusting meshload replace the locknut with a new service meshload locknut.

   Adjust the meshload screw as follows:

   1. Hold the meshload screw and loosen the locknut.
   2. Adjust the meshload screw in one-eighth of a turn (45 degrees) increments only (clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease meshload) to obtain proper steering feel.
   3. Hold the meshload screw and tighten the locknut to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

5. Install the wheel and tire. Refer to: Wheel and Tire - Vehicles With: Single Rear Wheels . Refer to: Wheel and Tire - Vehicles With: Dual Rear Wheels .
6. Drive the vehicle (after each adjustment), rotating the steering wheel at least one turn in each direction during the test drive. Verify the steering feel is equivalent to other similar vehicles.
7. NOTE: Repeat Steps 4 - 7 as necessary until the steering feel is equivalent to other similar vehicles.
   • If the meshload is correct, proceed to Step 8.
   • If meshload is not correct, remove the LH front wheel and tire and repeat Steps 4 - 7. Refer to: Wheel and Tire - Vehicles With: Single Rear Wheels . Refer to: Wheel and Tire - Vehicles With: Dual Rear Wheels .

8. When the adjustment is complete, install the LH fender splash shield. Refer to: Fender Splash Shield .