Steering Gear: Material

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 .
Fig 1: Holding Steering Wheel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
1. Hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position using a suitable holding device.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist. For additional information, refer to LIFTING .
   CAUTION: The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear causing premature damage.
   CAUTION: Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.
   CAUTION: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water and contamination trapped in the grease will degrade the life of the joint.
   CAUTION: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tube can be installed in the correct location.
3. Remove the parts in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.

   To remove individual parts, only carry out the listed steps: 

   STEPS PART
   
   

   Part	Steps
   Steering gear O-rings	12-15
   Inner tie-rod	1-7
   Steering gear	1, 8-17
   VAPS switch	18-19

   Fig 2: Removing Steering Gear Part

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
5. Fill and leak test the system. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM FILLING  in this section.
6. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front end alignment. For additional information, refer to SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES .

Item 3: Tie-Rod End Removal Note 

1. If repairing the RH side it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie rod boot to hold the steering gear.
2. Note the number of times the tie-rod ends turn for assembly reference.
3. After removing the tie-rod end, remove the tie-rod end jam nut from the inner tie-rod.

Item 7: Inner Tie-Rod Removal Note 

CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 15/16 in. crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the front wheel spindle tie-rod.
NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH front wheel spindle tie-rod.
Fig 3: Removing Front Wheel Spindle Tie-Rod Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
1. Using the (1) special tool, remove the (2) front wheel spindle tie-rod.
CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.
2. Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Replace the parts as necessary.

Item 13: Steering Lines and Clamp Plate Removal Note 

1. Remove the power steering high pressure hose from the steering gear.
2. Remove the power steering return hose from the steering gear.

Items 14 and 15: O-Ring Installation Note 

1. Install new O-ring seals onto the power steering hoses.

Item 7: Inner Tie-Rod Installation Note 

1. Lubricate the front wheel spindle tie-rod inner groove with steering gear grease where the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is clamped.

Item 6: Steering Gear Bellows Installation Note 

NOTE: Check that the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead at the large inside diameter (ID) and is in the front wheel spindle tie-rod groove at the small ID.
1. Check that the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal is not twisted and the breather tube is securely inserted into the breather nipple at both front suspension steering ball stud boot seals.

Item 5: Inner Bellows Clamp Installation Note 

1. Using the special tool, tighten the clamp.
   Fig 4: Tightening Clamp Using Special Tool

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Item 4: Outer Bellows Clamp Installation Note 

1. Make sure that the end of the boot is positioned between the two grooves on the inner tie-rod or an internal leak can result.