Gear - Torsion Bar Suspension: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Ranger. 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 wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Remove the wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
Remove the nuts.

Fig 1: Removing Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the clamp and disconnect the hose.
- Drain the fluid into a suitable container.
Fig 2: Disconnecting Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the clamp, disconnect and remove the cooler.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Cooler Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.

Fig 4: Loosening Tie-Rod End Jam Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the cotter pins and nuts.

Fig 5: Removing & Discard Cotter Pins & Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the special tool.

NOTE: Remove the adapter from the ball end of the special tool. Apply a small amount of grease to the tie-rod end stud and the ball of the special tool.

Fig 6: Separating Tie-Rod Ends From Wheel Knuckles

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
Remove the tie-rod ends.
- Count and record the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end.
Fig 7: Removing Tie-Rod Ends
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front stabilizer bar link nuts from the front suspension lower arms.

Fig 8: Removing Front Stabilizer Bar Link Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front stabilizer bar bolts and the front stabilizer bar links.

Fig 9: Removing Front Stabilizer Bar Links
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front stabilizer bar.
1. Remove the four bolts and two brackets.
2. Remove the front stabilizer bar.
3. Remove the stabilizer bar insulators.
Fig 10: Removing Stabilizer Bar Insulators
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and re-centered. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

Fig 11: Removing Pinch Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the pinch bolt and detach the intermediate shaft from the gear.
Remove the nut and disconnect the lines.

Fig 12: Removing Nut & Disconnect Lines
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Hold the tops of the steering gear to crossmember stud bolts to avoid damaging the steering gear fluid transfer tubes.

Fig 13: Removing Steering Gear Mounting Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the nuts.
Remove the stud bolts and washers.

Fig 14: Removing Stud Bolts & Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the steering gear control valve housing toward the front of the vehicle.

Fig 15: Rotating Steering Gear Control Valve Housing Toward Front Of Vehicle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Turn the steering gear input shaft to the right until the stop is reached.
Move the steering gear as far to the RH side of the vehicle as possible.

Fig 16: Moving Steering Gear As Far To RH Side Of Vehicle As Possible
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Move the LH front wheel spindle tie-rod forward to clear the frame crossmember.

Fig 17: Moving LH Front Wheel Spindle Tie-Rod Forward To Clear Frame Crossmember
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

Fig 18: Removing Steering Gear From Vehicle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.