Steering Shaft Torque Sensor: Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Up and down movement of the steering gear assembly in the vehicle will cause the steering shaft to rotate slightly. When you begin the next step, you MUST keep the steering gear assembly "locked" in the same position. Up and down movement of the steering gear during alignment and installation process will result in a misaligned torque sensor.
NOTE:
The following steps (1 through 10) are CRITICAL for the proper installation of the torque sensor assembly.
NOTE:
The new torque sensor will come with a locking pin that ensures the steering angle sensor and the steering torque sensor are "locked" in the proper position. DO NOT remove this pin until the torque sensor assembly is completely installed to ensure proper alignment of the torque sensor.
- Install the alignment tool.
- While the alignment tool is in place, attempt to rotate the tool in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction.
- Rotate the tool in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction.
- If the alignment tool can freely rotate slightly in the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction, the tool is properly aligned.
- If the alignment tool cannot freely rotate, the steering shaft is not aligned. Have an assistant bump the tires slightly until the alignment tool can be rotated slightly.
- After the steering shaft is exactly aligned with the spline on the alignment tool, remove the alignment tool.
- With the locking pin still in place, carefully install the torque sensor assembly. Do not remove the locking pin at this time. When seating the torque sensor assembly, apply gentle but even force on both sides of the sensor.
- Ensure the locking pin is not shifted to one side of the sensor viewing window. The optimal position for the locking pin is centered in the viewing window.
- Install the alignment tool to verify the torque sensor assembly is seated properly.
- Verify that the top of the alignment tool is flush with the gear housing rim.
- While the alignment tool is still in place, remove the locking pin.
- Remove the alignment tool.
- Check locking pin hole location.
- When the locking pin is removed, the locking pin hole should still be visible inside the sensor viewing window. If the sensor was not properly aligned during installation, the locking pin hole will move out of view when the locking pin is removed.
- If the locking pin is not completely visible, remove and discard the torque sensor. Obtain a new torque sensor and repeat install Steps 1 through 9.
- Connect the torque sensor electrical connector.
- Install the torque sensor harness pin-type retainer.
- Reinstall the sensor seal onto the steering assist assembly.
- Install the lower jacket.
- Install the original snap ring bevel side up.
- Ensure snap ring gap is positioned 90 degrees from sensor seal. Measure the gap between snap ring ears. Gap must be 18 - 20 mm (0.787 in) (3/4 in) to ensure snap ring is seated correctly.
- Install the steering wheel and upper column assembly and remove the tape. Rotate the upper column assembly as necessary to align with block tooth on shaft.
- The steering wheel and upper steering column assembly should slide on easily. Significant resistance means the upper column assembly is not properly aligned. If necessary, rotate the upper column assembly for proper alignment. All rotating parts must be properly aligned during assembly. Position tolerance ± 5 degrees.
- Install new upper column bolts.
- Tighten the bolts to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).
- If equipped, install the PATS transceiver.
- Connect the PATS transceiver electrical connector.
- Install the harness pin-type retainer.
- Install the harness pin-type retainers and connect the electrical connectors on the left side of the column.
- Install the lower column shroud and tighten the screws.
- Install the upper column shroud.
- Install the bolts and the steering column opening panel.
- Tighten the bolts to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
- Install the steering column opening trim panel.
- Connect the 12V battery. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, BATTERY MOUNTING & BATTERY CABLES .
- Hybrid vehicles: Repower the high-voltage traction battery. For additional information, refer to HIGH VOLTAGE TRACTION BATTERY .
- Lower the vehicle and start the engine. With the engine running and a properly installed sensor, the steering wheel should stay centered. If the torque sensor is NOT installed properly (i.e. not centered during installation), the steering wheel will move all the way to the right or left. The torque sensor only needs to be off center a small amount to cause this type of problem. During normal operation, the torque sensor only moves a maximum -5 degree to +5 degrees.
- Carry-out the Steering Wheel Position Sensor Calibration. For additional information, refer to STEERING SYSTEM .
NOTE:
Do not force the tool into place. The tool must feel loose when in proper position.
NOTE:
During installation of the tool, the tool key on the alignment tool should slide easily into the steering shaft key way. If there is any binding, have an assistant bump the tires slightly to the right or left again until the alignment tool falls into place.
NOTE:
DO NOT push the torque sensor assembly past flush with the gear housing rim or damage to the sensor will occur.
NOTE:
DO NOT push the torque sensor assembly past flush with the gear housing rim or damage to the sensor will occur.
NOTE:
Do not drop the locking pin into the steering gear housing or damage may occur.