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Steering Gear - Four Wheel Drive (4WD): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 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.
  1. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key.
    • Rotate the steering wheel until the steering column locks into position.
  2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
  3. Remove the power steering fluid cooler. For additional information, refer to Power Steering Fluid Cooler  in this article.
  4. Loosen the tie-rod jam nuts.
  5. Remove the outer tie-rod end cotter pins and nuts.
    • Discard the cotter pins.
    6. CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the special tool.
    Fig 1: Identifying Special Tools (211-001) Onto Tie-Rod End
    GF0010819Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    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.
  6. Using the special tool, separate the outer tie rods from the wheel knuckles.
  7. Remove the outer tie rods.
    • Count and record the number of turns required to remove the outer tie-rod end.
  8. Remove the stabilizer bar and link. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) article.
    9. CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
  9. Remove the lower steering column shaft bolt and disconnect the lower intermediate shaft from the gear.
    • Discard the lower steering column shaft bolt.
  10. Remove the clamp plate nut and disconnect the pressure and return lines.
    • Discard the O-ring seals.
    11. CAUTION: Hold the tops of the steering gear-to-crossmember stud bolts to avoid damaging the steering gear fluid transfer tubes.
  11. Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and stud bolts.
  12. Rotate the steering gear control valve housing toward the front of the vehicle.
    Fig 2: Rotating Steering Gear Control Valve Housing Toward Front Of Vehicle
    GF0010821Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Turn the steering gear input shaft to the right until the stop is reached.
  14. Move the steering gear as far to the RH side of the vehicle as possible.
    Fig 3: Moving Steering Gear As Far To RH Side Of Vehicle As Possible
    GF0010822Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Move the LH inner tie rod forward to clear the frame crossmember.
    Fig 4: Locating LH Inner Tie Rod
    GF0010823Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Remove the steering gear.
    Fig 5: Removing Steering Gear
    GF0010824Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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