Steering Gear: Disassembly

NOTE: The steering gear (3504) is serviced as a long rack assembly. Only the front wheel spindle tie-rods (3280) and tie-rod bellows (3332) can be serviced separately.

Remove the bolts using a plastic or rubber mallet.

Fig 1: Removing Steering Gear Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Mount the steering gear on the special tool.

Fig 2: Mounting Steering Gear On Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Clean the exterior of the steering gear with solvent. If necessary, drain any excess power steering fluid.
Inspect the steering gear housing for cracks and other damage. If necessary, install a new steering gear.
Verify the power steering gear input shaft bearing rotates freely. If necessary, install a new steering gear.
CAUTION: Use care not to damage the tie-rod bellows (3332). Damaged tie-rod bellows will allow contamination into the steering gear and can cause leaks.
Remove the nuts and the tie-rod bellows outer clamps.
- Discard any clamps that are damaged or excessively corroded.
Fig 3: Removing Jam Nuts & Tie-Rod Bellows Outer Clamps
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the bellows inner clamps.

Fig 4: Removing Bellows Inner Clamps
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove both tie-rod bellows and the air tube (3K762).

Fig 5: Removing Both Tie-Rod Bellows & Air Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Hold the steering gear rack with an adjustable wrench when removing the tie-rod to absorb the rotational force. Damage to the steering gear can result.

Fig 6: Removing Tie-Rods

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the tie-rods.
If a new steering gear is being installed, remove the gear from the special tool.