Removal and Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
When repairing the power steering system, care should be taken to prevent the entry of contaminants or premature failure of the power steering components can result.
- Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
- Remove the 2 tie-rod end nuts.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
- Disconnect the tie-rod ends from the steering knuckle.
- Remove the power steering line clamp plate bolt.
- To install, tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
- Rotate the clamp plate and disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the steering gear.
- Allow the power steering fluid to drain into a suitable container.
- Discard the 2 O-ring seals.
- Release the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp from the intermediate shaft boot.
- Using a suitable tool, open the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp and release the boot from the intermediate shaft.
- Retain the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp in the open position.
- Remove the intermediate shaft-to-steering gear bolt.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
- Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and bolts.
- To install, tighten to 117 Nm (86 lb-ft).
- Remove the steering gear from the left side of the vehicle.
- To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Fill the power steering system. For additional information, refer to STEERING SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
- Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
NOTE:
Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the lower 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
NOTE:
The hex holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the nut.
NOTE:
Whenever the power steering lines are disconnected, new O-ring seals must be installed.
CAUTION:
Make sure that the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp is retained in the open position when removing and installing the clamp, boot bearing or boot assembly.
CAUTION:
Make sure the end tabs of the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp do not contact the boot after installation.
CAUTION:
Make sure the intermediate shaft boot bearing is properly seated in the retention groove before installing the intermediate shaft boot bearing clamp. The outer bearing race must not be seen protruding from the groove.