Steering Gear: Installation

NOTE: Make sure the LH steering gear bushing is seated correctly or failure of the steering gear may occur. The RH side bushing does not have locking tabs.

Position the steering gear and install the 2 new steering gear-to-crossmember bolts.
- Tighten to 440 Nm (325 lb-ft).
Fig 1: Identifying Steering Gear-To-Crossmember Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Connect the steering column shaft and install a new bolt.
- Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
NOTE: New O-ring seals must be installed any time the line is disconnected from the power steering gear.

Connect the steering lines, rotate the clamp plate and install the clamp plate bolt.
- Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).
Install the oil drip shield and the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Fig 2: Locating Oil Drip Shield Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Release the lower cooling fan shroud tab and rotate the shroud downward.

Fig 3: Rotating Shroud
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Make sure that the tie-rod end boots are seated correctly on the tie-rod ends or tie-rod end failure may occur.

Connect the outer tie-rod ends to the wheel knuckles and install the new nuts.
- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
Fig 4: Connecting Outer Tie-Rod Ends To Wheel Knuckles
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, install the skid plate and the 4 bolts.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Fig 5: Locating Skid Plate Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES article.
Fill the power steering system. For additional information, refer to STEERING SYSTEM article.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.