Steering Gear - 3.0L 4V: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Using the special tool, install new seals on the power steering hose fittings.

Fig 1: Installing New Seals On Power Steering Hose Fittings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Center, and then turn the steering gear input shaft 1/2 turn to the right to make sure the intermediate shaft coupling will fit correctly on the input shaft.

Route the steering gear through the left fender well.
Position the steering gear mounting bolts in the subframe holes and install the nuts.

Fig 2: Installing Steering Gear Mounting Bolts In Subframe Holes
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering column intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the air bag 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 3: Installing Subframe

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Raise the subframe and install the bolts.
- Guide the steering column intermediate shaft coupling onto the steering gear input shaft as the subframe is raised into position.
Position the boot out of the way and install the pinch bolt.

Fig 4: Installing Pinch Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the power steering pressure switch electrical connector.

Fig 5: Connecting Power Steering Pressure Switch Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the power steering lines.

Fig 6: Connecting Power Steering Lines
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the bracket/heat shield and the bolts.

Fig 7: Installing Bracket/Heat Shield Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the bolt.

Fig 8: Installing Steering Linkage Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the bolt.

Fig 9: Identifying Tightening Torque Of Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the catalytic converter between the Y-pipe and the muffler.
- Install the gasket and the nuts.
Fig 10: Installing Catalytic Converter Nuts And Gasket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the U-bolt and the nuts.

Fig 11: Installing Muffler Inlet Pipe Nuts And U-Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use power tools to tighten the nuts. The stabilizer bar link ball joint or boot can be damaged.

Fig 12: Connecting Stabilizer Bar Links To Stabilizer Bar

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Connect the stabilizer bar links to the stabilizer bar and while holding the hex feature install the nuts.
Install the tie-rod ends, nuts, and cotter pins.

Fig 13: Installing Tie-Rod Ends And Cotter Pins
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the tie-rod end jam nuts.

Fig 14: Tightening Tie-Rod End Jam Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the front wheel and tire assemblies. .
Fill and leak check the system. For additional information, refer to STEERING SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
Check and adjust front toe as necessary. For additional information, refer to SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES .