Removal And Installation

All vehicles 

1. Remove the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
2. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
   • Remove the ignition key.
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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
3. Remove and discard the steering column coupling-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the coupling from the steering gear.
   • To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
4. From the engine compartment, loosen the 2 steering gear bolts.
   • To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
5. If equipped, remove the 3 pin-type retainers and the steering gear shield.
6. Remove and discard the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
   • To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.
7. Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (204-592)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles (except Hybrid) 

8. Remove the rear transaxle insulator through bolt.
   • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 2: Identifying Rear Transaxle Insulator Through Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles with automatic transaxle - 2.3L 

9. Remove the 3 transmission damper bolts and the transmission damper.
   • To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Fig 3: Locating Bolts & Dampener
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

10. Remove and discard the 2 steering gear bolts.
NOTE: For all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles (except Hybrid), it is necessary to grasp the driveshaft by hand and apply slight downward pressure to obtain clearance for the removal of the steering gear.
11. Remove the steering gear from the LH side of the vehicle.
12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
13. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.