Steering Gear - Front Wheel Drive (FWD): Installation

All engines 

1. From the LH side of the vehicle, install the steering gear.
2. Install the 3 steering gear bolts.
   • Tighten to 107 Nm (79 lb-ft).
3. Release the clamp and connect the steering gear-to-fluid cooler return hose.
4. Using a suitable jack, raise the rear of the front subframe.
5. Install the 4 rear subframe bolts and 2 rear subframe nuts.
   • To install, tighten the bolts and nuts in 2 stages.
     • Stage 1: Tighten the nuts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
     • Stage 2: Tighten the bolts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
NOTE: New banjo bolts and new seals must be installed any time the power steering pressure line is disconnected from the power steering pump and/or the steering gear or a fluid leak may occur.
6. Install the new pressure line-to-steering gear banjo bolt.
   • Install 2 new seals.
   • Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

3.0L and 3.5L engines 

7. Install the pressure line bracket-to-steering gear bolt.
   • Tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

2.3L engines 

8. Install the pressure line bracket-to-steering gear bolt.
   • Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

All engines 

9. Install the steering gear heat shield and the 2 bolts.
   • To install, tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).
NOTE: Always install new fasteners and gaskets. Clean flange faces prior to new gasket installation to make sure of proper sealing.
10. Position the exhaust flexible pipe and install 2 new catalytic converter-to-exhaust flexible pipe nuts.
    • Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Fig 1: Identifying Catalytic Converter-To-Exhaust Flexible Pipe Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Install the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
    • Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
    • Install 2 new cotter pins.
12. If equipped, install the underbody splash shield and bolts.
    • Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
13. Install the LH and RH splash shield and the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown).
Fig 2: Locating Splash Shield Pin-Type Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
14. Install the RH and LH fender splash shield and the 4 screws from each side.
Fig 3: Locating RH Fender Splash Shield Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The steering gear/dash seal must be fully seated in the steering gear valve tower groove before the retaining clips are fully engaged into the body. If the steering gear/dash seal is not seated to the steering gear valve tower groove and the clips are not fully engaged to the body, water and foreign material may enter the passenger compartment, and damage the vehicle interior.
15. Applying hand force to the center of the seal, install the steering gear/dash seal onto the steering gear valve tower until the seal is fully seated in the valve tower groove.
Fig 4: Locating Valve Tower Groove
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
16. Install the steering gear/dash seal until the retaining clips are fully engaged into the body.
Fig 5: Locating Steering Column Shaft-To-Dash Seal
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.
NOTE: Make sure to correctly align the index marks when installing the steering gear-to-steering column shaft or unequal right-to-left turns may occur, causing tire contact with the body and/or clockspring damage.
17. With the index marks properly aligned, connect the steering column shaft to the steering gear and install the new bolt.
    • Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Fig 6: Locating Steering Column Shaft Index Mark And Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
18. Install the lower steering column shaft joint cover and the 2 nuts.
19. Fill the power steering system. For additional information, refer to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
20. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.