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Home >> Ford >> 2006 >> Focus ZX5 SE, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 799 (Steering System - General Information - F250-F550) >> General Procedures >> Steering Gear Meshload Adjustment - F-250, F-350 >> All vehicles

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WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    NOTE: The engine should not be running.
  1. Turn the steering wheel from right lock to left lock at least once.
  2. Remove the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
  3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
  4. Remove the drag link nut and cotter pin.
    Fig 1: Locating Drag Link Nut And Cotter Pin
    GF0007718Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Using the special tool, separate the drag link from the pitman arm.
    Fig 2: Separating Drag Link Using Special Tool
    GF0007719Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Rotate the steering wheel to the left stop and then rotate the steering wheel back approximately 45 degrees.
    7. NOTE: The peak preload torque must be within 0.34-1.36 Nm (3-12 lb-in) or a new steering gear must be installed. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING article.
  7. Attach an inch pound torque wrench to the steering wheel bolt and slowly and evenly rotate the steering wheel clockwise 1/2 turn (180 degrees).
    • Record the peak preload torque.
  8. Rotate the steering wheel to its centered position (approximately 1-1/2 turns from either stop). Place the torque wrench on the steering wheel bolt with the handle in the vertical position. Rotate the torque wrench slowly and evenly 1/4 turn (90 degrees) from each side of center.
    • Record the peak on-center torque.
    9. NOTE: The on-center torque must be 1.01-1.47 Nm (9-13 lb-in) greater than preload torque without exceeding a total of 2.32 Nm (20.5 lb-in). The on-center torque minus the preload torque is the meshload torque.
  9. If necessary, carry out the following steps to adjust the on-center torque.


    NOTE: Rotate the meshload screw clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease.
    Fig 1: Locating Lock Nut (1 Of 2)
    GF0007720Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  1. Hold the meshload screw, loosen the nuts and then adjust the meshload screw to the correct rotating torque.
  2. Verify that the on center torque is to specification.
    • Readjust if necessary.
  3. Hold the meshload adjusting screw and tighten the lock nut to 31 Nm (23 lb-ft).
    • Tighten the jam nut to 7 Nm (13 lb-ft).
    Fig 2: Locating Lock Nut (2 Of 2)
    GF0007720Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Position the drag link, and install the nut and cotter pin.
    • Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
    Fig 3: Locating Drag Link Nut And Cotter Pin
    GF0007718Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.


  1. Install the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
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