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Steering Gear Meshload Adjustment - F250/F350

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SPECIAL TOOL(S)

G03904008
 Remover, Steering Arm 211-003 (T64P-3590-F) or equivalent

    All vehicles 

    NOTE: The engine should not be running.
    Fig 1: Centering Steering Wheel
    G03883158Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  1. Turn the steering wheel from right lock to left lock at least once.
  2. Remove the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
  4. Remove the castellated nut.
    1. Remove the cotter pin.
    2. Remove the castellated nut.
      Fig 2: Removing Castellated Nut
      G03904969Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Separate the drag link from the pitman arm.
    • Use the Pitman Arm Puller to separate the drag link.
      Fig 3: Separating Drag Link From Pitman Arm
      G03904970Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    6. NOTE: The front wheel should not touch the ground.
  6. Lower and support the front of the vehicle. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
  7. Rotate the steering wheel to the left stop and then rotate the steering wheel back approximately 45 degrees.
    8. NOTE: The peak preload torque must be within 0.34-1.36Nm (3--12 lb-in) or a new steering gear must be installed. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING .
  8. Attach an inch pound torque wrench to the steering wheel bolt and slowly and evenly rotate the steering wheel clockwise 1/2 turn (180 degrees).
    • Record the peak preload torque.
  9. Rotate the steering wheel to its centered position (approximately 1-1/2 turns from either stop). Place the torque wrench on the steering wheel bolt with the handle in the vertical position. Rotate the torque wrench slowly and evenly 1/4 turn (90 degrees) from each side of center.
    • Record the peak on-center torque.
    10. NOTE: The on-center torque must be 0.79--1.36 Nm (7--12 lb-in) greater than preload torque without exceeding a total of 2.15Nm (19 lb-in). The on-center torque minus the preload torque is the meshload torque.
  10. If necessary, carry out the following steps to adjust the on-center torque.

    11. With 6.0L Diesel 

  11. Remove the auxiliary battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
  12. Loosen the clamps and remove the air intake duct.
    Fig 4: Loosening Clamps
    G03919495Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    13. All vehicles 

    NOTE: Rotate the meshload screw clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease.
  13. Adjust the meshload screw to the correct rotating torque.
    1. Hold the meshload screw and loosen the lock nut.
    2. Adjust the meshload screw.
      Fig 5: Adjusting Meshload Screw
      G03884767Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Verify that the rotating torque is to specification.
    • Readjust if necessary.
  15. Tighten the lock nut.
    1. Hold the meshload screw.
    2. Tighten the lock nut.
      Fig 6: Tightening Lock Nut
      G03904972Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Install the drag link, castellated nut and cotter pin.
    Fig 7: Installing Drag Link
    G03904973Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Install the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE .
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