Steering Gear - 2.5L Non-Hybrid and 3.0L Front Wheel Drive (FWD): Removal

All vehicles 

1. If installing a new steering gear, connect the scan tool and upload the module configuration information from the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). For additional information, refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION -- FUSION MILAN & MKZ article.
NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).
Fig 1: Holding Steering Wheel Using Holding Device
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
3. Remove the 2 lower steering column shaft joint cover nuts and the cover.
NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.
4. Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
   • Discard the bolt.
NOTE: Remove the steering gear/dash seal or damage to the seal may occur.
5. Pulling upward, remove the steering gear/dash seal.
6. Remove the wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES article.
7. If equipped, remove the 7 screws and the underbody cover.
   Fig 2: Locating Underbody Cover With Mounting Screws

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH side shown in the illustration, LH side similar.
Fig 3: Locating RH And LH Fender Splash Shield Mounting Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the 4 screws from each side and position the RH and LH fender splash shields aside.
9. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown in the illustration) from the LH and RH splash shields.
   Fig 4: Locating RH And LH Fender Splash 6-Pin Type Retainers

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end cotter pins and nuts.
    • Discard the cotter pins.
NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.
Fig 5: Separating Outer Tie-Rod Ends From Knuckle Using Ball Joint Separator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Using the Ball Joint Separator, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the knuckle.

    Vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines 

12. Remove the 2 bolts, 2 nuts and the exhaust bracket with U-clamp.
    Fig 6: Locating Exhaust Bracket Mounting Bolts And Nuts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Vehicles equipped with 3.0L engines 

13. Remove the exhaust flexible pipe. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.

    All vehicles 

14. Disconnect the 2 EPAS electrical connectors and the wiring retainer.
15. Remove the engine roll restrictor bolt.
16. Support the rear of the subframe with a suitable jack, remove the 4 rear subframe bolts and 2 rear subframe nuts and the subframe support bracket.
    • Loosen the 2 front subframe nuts.
17. Using the jack, lower the rear of the front subframe 76.2 mm (3 in).
18. Remove the 3 steering gear bolts.
19. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.