Steering Gear - All Wheel Drive (AWD): Removal

All engines 

1. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position and the ignition key in the OFF position.
2. Remove the front wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
3. Remove the 2 lower steering column shaft joint cover nuts and the cover.
NOTE: Make sure to correctly index-mark the steering gear to steering column shaft position or unequal right-to-left turns may occur, causing tire contact with the body and/or clockspring damage.
4. Index-mark the steering column shaft-to-steering gear position for reference during installation.
Fig 1: Locating Steering Column Shaft-To-Steering Gear Position Index-Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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 article.
5. Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
   • Discard the bolt.
Fig 2: Locating Steering Column Shaft Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Remove the steering gear/dash seal or damage to the seal may occur.
6. Remove the steering gear/dash seal.
7. Remove the battery and battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES article.
NOTE: Battery mounting bracket removed for clarity.
8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the PCM.
   • Detach the wiring harness retainer from the PCM bracket and position the harness aside.
Fig 3: Identifying Electrical Connectors From Power Control Module (PCM)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Remove the pressure line-to-steering gear banjo bolt.
   • Discard the bolt and 2 seals.
10. Remove the pressure line bracket-to-steering gear bolt.
NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
11. Remove 4 screws from each side and position the RH and LH fender splash shield aside.
Fig 4: Locating RH Fender Splash Shield Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
12. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown) from the LH and RH splash shield.
Fig 5: Locating Splash Shield Pin-Type Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
13. If equipped, remove the bolts and the underbody splash shield.
14. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end cotter pins and nuts.
    • Discard the cotter pins.
NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.
15. Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the knuckle.
Fig 6: Separating Tie-Rod Ends From Wheel Knuckles Using Special Tool (211-105)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Always install new fasteners and gaskets. Clean flange faces prior to new gasket installation to make sure of proper sealing.
16. Remove and discard the 2 catalytic converter-to-exhaust flexible pipe nuts and separate the exhaust flexible pipe.
Fig 7: Identifying Catalytic Converter-To-Exhaust Flexible Pipe Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
17. Remove the 2 bolts and the steering gear heat shield.
18. Support the rear of the subframe with a suitable jack and remove the 4 rear subframe bolts and 2 rear subframe nuts.
19. Lower the rear of the front subframe 76.2 mm (3 in) with the support of the jack.

3.5L engine 

20. Remove the pressure line bracket-to-steering gear bolt.

All engines 

21. Release the clamp and disconnect the steering gear-to-fluid cooler return hose.
22. Remove the 3 steering gear bolts.
23. Remove the steering gear from the LH side of the vehicle.