Inspection and Verification
CAUTION:
Do not hold the steering wheel (3600) at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump (3A674) will result.
NOTE:
Make the following preliminary checks before repairing the steering system
- Verify the customer concern by operating the steering system.
- Inspect Tires
- Check the tire pressure. Refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.
- Verify that all tires are sized to specification.
- Check the tires for damage or uneven wear.
- Belt and Tensioner Check
- Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE for diagnosis and testing of the accessory drive system.
- Fluid Level Check
- Verify that the power steering fluid level is within the appropriate indicated range, hot for the 3.8L engine and cold for the 4.6L engine. Add Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
- Air Bleeding
- Verify that there is no air in the power steering system. Run the engine (6007) until it reaches normal operating temperature. Turn the steering wheel to the left and right several times without hitting the stops. If any air bubbles are present, refer to PURGING - CII POWER STEERING PUMP or PURGING - CIII POWER STEERING PUMP .
- External Leak Check
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- With the ignition switch at OFF, wipe off the power steering pump, power steering hoses, power steering fluid cooler (3D746) and steering gear (3504).
- With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times. Do not hold steering wheel at stops. Check for leaks. Repair as necessary if leaks are observed.
- Turning Effort Check
- Refer to TURNING EFFORT TEST under Component Tests .
- Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage; refer to the Visual Inspection Chart.
- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
- If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the following symptom chart.