Steering Gear: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: New O-ring seals must be installed any time the lines are disconnected from the steering gear.

On 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 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

Position the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key.
- Rotate the steering wheel until the steering column locks into position.

NOTE: 2.0L Zetec shown, 3.0L (4V) similar.

Fig 1: Removing Rear Transaxle Insulator

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the rear transaxle insulator.
1. Remove the bolts and nuts.
2. Remove the rear transaxle insulator.

On Vehicles Equipped With Automatic Transmission

Remove the bolts and the rear transaxle insulator bracket.

Fig 2: Removing Bolts And Rear Transaxle Insulator Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

On All Vehicles

Detach the pin-type retainers and remove the generator splash shield.

Fig 3: Detaching Pin-Type Retainers And Removing Generator Splash Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the power steering pressure and return line bracket bolts.

Fig 4: Removing Power Steering Pressure And Return Line Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front wheels.

On Vehicles Equipped With Manual Transmission

Remove the bolts and the rear transaxle insulator bracket.

Fig 5: Removing Bolts And Rear Transaxle Insulator Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

On All Vehicles

NOTE: LH side shown, RH similar.

Fig 6: Removing Tie Rod End Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the tie rod end nut.
1. Remove the cotter pin.
2. Remove the nut.

NOTE: LH side shown, RH similar.

Fig 7: Separating Tie-Rod End From Knuckle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the knuckle.

NOTE: Record the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end.

Fig 8: Removing Tie-Rod Ends And Tie-Rod End Jam Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the tie-rod ends and the tie-rod end jam nuts.
Remove the steering gear coupling pinch bolt.
1. Slide the boot up.
2. Remove the steering gear coupling pinch bolt.
Fig 9: Removing Steering Gear Coupling Pinch Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Drain the excess power steering fluid into a suitable drain pan.

Fig 10: Disconnecting Power Steering Pressure And Return Line

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the power steering pressure and return line.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines and discard the O-ring seals.
Lower the vehicle on the hoist.
Remove the steering shaft.

Fig 11: Removing Steering Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the steering shaft boot.
1. Remove the nuts.
2. Remove the steering shaft boot.
Fig 12: Removing Steering Shaft Boot
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Fig 13: Removing Two Steering Gear Mounting Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the two steering gear mounting bolts.
Raise the vehicle on the hoist.

NOTE: With the mounting bolts removed, slide the gear forward to separate the steering coupling from the steering gear shaft.

Remove the steering gear.