Removal And Installation

All vehicles 

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
2. Vehicle equipped with 3.0L engine, remove the EGR valve. For additional information, refer to ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL - 3.0L (4V) article.
NOTE: 2.3L engine shown, 3.0L engine similar.
3. Remove the rear transaxle insulator bracket.
   1. Remove the rear transaxle insulator bracket bolt.
      • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
   2. Remove the 2 rear transaxle insulator bracket nuts.
      • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
   3. Remove the rear transaxle insulator-to-bracket through-bolt.
      • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 1: Rear Transaxle Insulator & Fasteners
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Remove the 3 bolts and the rear transaxle mounting plate.
   • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 2: Rear Transaxle Mounting Plate & Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Do not loosen the tie-rod end nut to align the slot in the nut with the tie-rod end stud through-hole.
5. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end cotter pins and the 2 tie-rod end nuts.
   • To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
   • If necessary, continue to tighten the tie-rod end nut until the slot in the nut aligns with the tie-rod end stud through-hole.
6. Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the knuckle.
Fig 3: Removing Tie-Rod End
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles with 3.0L engine 

7. Remove the generator splash shield pin-type retainer, bolt and generator splash shield from the generator.
   • To install, tighten to 4 Nm (35 lb-in).

All vehicles 

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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
8. Hold the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position using a suitable tool.
9. Remove the nuts and the steering column boot.
Fig 4: Steering Column Boot & Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Remove the steering column coupling-to-steering gear pinch bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
11. Remove the steering gear-to-fluid cooler return hose bracket-to-subframe bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
12. Remove the power steering pressure line bracket-to-steering gear bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
13. Remove the steering gear-to-fluid return hose bracket-to-steering gear stud.
    • To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
14. Remove the power steering line clamp plate bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
NOTE: Install a new high pressure hose O-ring seal and a new return hose O-ring seal.
15. Remove the power steering pressure and return lines.
16. Remove the 2 steering gear mounting bolts.
    • To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
NOTE: Remove the steering gear from the RH side of the vehicle.
17. Remove the steering gear.
18. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
19. Fill the power steering system. For additional information, refer to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
20. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.