Steering Shaft Torque Sensor: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
This procedure must take place in a clean environment to ensure no contamination of the worm gear.
- To see a short video of the torque sensor removal and installation, click on the link. multimedia:A supplement to the article is available.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
- For ease of assembly, turn the steering wheel to the 11:00 o'clock position.
- Hybrid vehicles: Depower the high-voltage traction battery. For additional information, refer to HIGH VOLTAGE TRACTION BATTERY .
- Disconnect the 12V battery. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .
- Remove the steering column opening trim panel.
- If present, use a suitable cutting tool to carefully cut through the two cutoff lines and discard the instrument panel cutout.
- Remove the bolts and the steering column opening panel.
- Pull up and remove the upper column shroud.
- Remove the screws and the lower column shroud.
- Remove the harness pin-type retainers and disconnect the electrical connectors on the left side of the column.
- If equipped, remove the PATS transceiver electrical connector.
- Disconnect the PATS transceiver electrical connector.
- Remove the harness pin-type retainer and position the harness aside.
- Remove and discard the upper column bolts.
- Tape the steering wheel to the steering column multifunction switch to prevent rotation of the steering wheel.
- Pull out and remove the steering wheel and upper column assembly as a single unit.
- Mark the snap ring to aid in installation.
- Remove the snap ring using Rotor Clip® RP-900 ratchet and grip ring pliers or equivalent.
- Remove the lower jacket.
- Remove the sensor seal from the steering assist assembly.
- Remove the pin-type retainer.
- Disconnect the electrical connector.
- Raise the front of the vehicle high enough to remove the load off the front tires. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
- Before removing the old torque sensor assembly, verify the steering shaft keyway is aligned with the sensor alignment mark. This will ensure that the steering input shaft is in the correct position for installation of the sensor alignment tool.
- Prying gently from the back, remove the torque sensor assembly. Remove the sensor by gently pulling up on the sensor wires while using a hooked pick tool to lift the opposite side of the sensor.
- Inspect the underside of the sensor for damage. In case of breakage or damage, replace the steering column. For additional information, refer to STEERING COLUMN
.
- Vacuum the surface of the gear face to remove any contamination. Thoroughly vacuum the worm gear.
NOTE:
Do not use pliers or locking pliers to turn the steering shaft or damage will occur. Two people are required to properly align the torque sensor.
NOTE:
If necessary, have an assistant bump the front tires left or right until the sensor is perfectly aligned.