Steering Gear Meshload Adjustment

SPECIAL TOOL(S) 

Fig 1: Special Tools Specifications

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The engine should not be running.
Fig 2: Turning Steering Wheel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
1. Turn the steering wheel from right lock to left lock at least once.
2. Remove the driver air bag; for additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
3. Raise and support the vehicle; for additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
4. Remove the castellated nut.
   1. Remove the cotter pin.
   2. Remove the castellated nut.
   Fig 3: Removing Castellated Nut

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
   • Use the Pitman Arm Puller to separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
   Fig 4: Separating Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The front wheels should not touch the ground.
6. Lower and support the front of the vehicle; for additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
NOTE: Reset the steering gear meshload only if the measured rotating torque for total on-center load is less than specification.
Fig 5: Using a Lb/In Torque Wrench, Measure Steering Gear Meshload From Center
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Attach a lb/in torque wrench to the bolt and measure the steering gear meshload from center.
8. Adjust if not within specification.
   Fig 6: Steering Gear Meshload Specification

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Adjust the sector shaft to proper rotating torque.
   1. Hold the sector shaft and loosen the lock nut.
   2. Adjust the sector shaft.
   Fig 7: Adjusting Sector Shaft To Proper Rotating Torque

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Verify that the rotating torque is to specification.
    • Reset if necessary.
    Fig 8: Verifying Steering Wheel Rotating Torque

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Tighten the lock nut.
    1. Hold the sector shaft.
    2. Tighten the lock nut.
    Fig 9: Sector Shaft Lock Nut Tightening Torque

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link, castellated nut and cotter pin.
    Fig 10: Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link Castellated Nut Tightening Torque

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
13. Lower the vehicle; for additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
14. Install the driver air bag; for additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .