Steering Gear: Installation

All vehicles 

1. NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
   NOTE: Make sure the steering column coupling is aligned with the locator on the steering gear input shaft and the shaft is fully seated on the steering gear.

   Position the steering gear, attach the steering column coupling and install the 3 steering gear bolts.

   • Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
2. NOTE: Make sure the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors are fully seated and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) features are engaged.

   Connect the 2 Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors and secure the 2 red Connector Position Assurance (CPA) features.

   • Attach the wiring harness pin-type retainers.

   Vehicles with automatic transmission 

3. Position the transmission cooler tube brackets and install the 2 nuts.
   • Tighten the cooler tube bracket-to-transmission nut to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
   • Tighten the cooler tube bracket-to-engine mount nut to 48 Nm (35 lb-in).

   All vehicles 

4. Position the rearward subframe crossmember brace and install the 4 nuts.
   • Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
5. If equipped, position the crossmember brace and install the 6 bolts.
   • Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
6. If equipped, tighten the 2 crossmember brace nuts to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
7. Position the lower splash shield and install the 9 screws.
   Fig 1: Locating Lower Splash Shield Screws

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Position the 2 tie-rod ends and install the 2 new tie-rod end nuts.
   • Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
9. Install the wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
10. Position the steering wheel approximately 120 degrees to the left to access to the steering column coupling bolt hole and install the steering column coupling-to-steering gear bolt.
    • Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
11. Connect the 2 wires and install the 2 nuts on the starter solenoid.
    • Tighten the B+ terminal to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).
    • Tighten the S-terminal to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
      Fig 2: Locating Starter Solenoid Nuts And Wires

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Install the starter solenoid terminal cover.
    Fig 3: Locating Starter Solenoid Terminal Cover

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Vehicles with 5.4L (4V) engine 

13. NOTE: While lowering the engine, make sure that the engine bracket aligns to the engine mount stud bolt. If necessary, shift the engine slightly when lowering.

    Using the Engine Lifting Bracket and Engine Support Bar, lower the LH side of the engine onto the engine mount.

    Fig 4: Identifying Engine Support Bar

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
14. Install the LH engine mount nut.
    • Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
      Fig 5: Locating LH Engine Mount Nut

      Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
15. Connect the brake booster vacuum hose quick connect.
16. Install the ground strap bolt and attach the retainer.
    • Tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
17. Install the 2 cowl vent screen plastic rivets.
18. Install the Air Cleaner (ACL) outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM & INTAKE AIR FILTERING SYSTEM , Intake Air Systems Components-Exploded View, 5.4L (4V).
19. Install the battery and battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .

    All vehicles 

20. Connect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
21. When installing a new steering gear, it must be configured (using vehicle as-built data or module configuration information retrieved earlier in this procedure). For additional information on configuration, refer to PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION (PMI) .