Steering Gear Meshload Adjustment - F-250, F-350

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Remover, Steering Arm
211-003 (T64P-3590-F) or equivalent

NOTE: The engine should not be running.

Turn the steering wheel from right lock-to-left lock at least once.
Remove the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove the LH fender splash shield. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS .
Remove the drag link nut and cotter pin.

Fig 1: Locating Drag Link Nut And Cotter Pin
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Steering Arm Remover, separate the drag link from the pitman arm.

Fig 2: Separating Drag Link From Pitman Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
While holding the meshload adjusting screw, loosen the locknut (approximately 7 full turns).

Fig 3: Locating Locknut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To remove all meshload from the steering gear, turn the meshload adjusting screw approximately 2 full turns to remove all meshload from the steering gear.
Rotate the steering wheel to the centered position.
NOTE: Install a new steering gear if the peak preload torque is not within 0.34-1.36 Nm (3-12 lb-in). For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING .

Attach an inch pound torque wrench to the steering wheel bolt and slowly and evenly rotate the steering wheel clockwise one-half turn (180 degrees); back to center, then counter clockwise one-half turn.
- Record the peak preload torque.
NOTE: The on center torque must be 0.3-0.9 Nm (2.6-7.9 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.

On center torque is measured the same way as preload torque, except the meshload adjusting screw is adjusted down until the desired on center and meshload torque is achieved.
NOTE: Rotate the meshload screw clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease.

Adjust the meshload screw to the correct rotating torque.

Fig 4: Locating Meshload Screw
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Verify the on center torque is to specification.
- Readjust if necessary.
Hold the meshload screw and tighten the locknut to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

Fig 5: Locating Locknut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the drag link/center link to the pitman arm, and install the drag link/center link nut and cotter pin.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Drag Link Nut And Cotter Pin
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the LH fender splash shield. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS .
Install the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .