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Steering Gear Meshload Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Special Tools

Illustration Tool Name Tool Number
GF0006073
 Remover, Steering Arm 211-003 (T65P-3590-F)
    NOTE: The engine should not be running.
  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 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
  3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
  4. Remove the drag link-to-sector shaft arm cotter pin and nut.
    5. Fig 1: Drag Link-To-Sector Shaft Arm Cotter Pin & Nut
    GF0012568Courtesy 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.
    6. Fig 2: Separating Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link
    GF0012569Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: The front wheels should not touch the ground.
  6. Rotate the steering wheel to the left stop and then rotate the steering wheel back approximately 45 degrees.
    7. NOTE: The peak preload torque must be within 0.34-1.36 Nm (3-12 lb-in) or a new steering gear must be installed. For additional information, refer to POWER STEERING article.
  7. Attach a lb-in torque wrench to the steering wheel bolt and slowly and evenly rotate the steering wheel clockwise 1/2 turn (180 degrees).
    • Record the peak preload torque.
  8. Rotate the steering wheel to its centered position (approximately 1-1/2 turns from either stop). Place the torque wrench on the steering wheel bolt with the handle in the vertical position. Rotate the torque wrench slowly and evenly 1/4 turn (90 degrees) from each side of center.
    • Record the peak on-center torque.
    9. NOTE: The on-center torque must be 0.28-0.79 Nm (2.5-7 lb-in) greater than preload torque without exceeding a total of 2.15 Nm (19 lb-in). The on-center torque minus the preload torque is the meshload torque.
  9. If necessary, carry out the following steps to adjust the on-center torque.
    10. NOTE: Rotate the meshload screw clockwise to increase the on-center torque and counterclockwise to decrease the on-center torque.
  10. Hold the meshload screw, loosen the lock nut and then adjust the meshload screw to the correct on-center torque.
    11. Fig 3: Meshload Screw & Lock Nut
    GF0012570Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Verify that the on-center torque is to specification.
    • Readjust if necessary.
  12. Hold the meshload screw and tighten the lock nut to 31 Nm (23 lb-ft).
    13. Fig 4: Meshload Screw & Lock Nut
    GF0012570Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Position the drag link and install the nut.
    • Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
    • Install a new cotter pin.
    14. Fig 5: Drag Link-To-Sector Shaft Arm Cotter Pin & Nut
    GF0012568Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Install the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
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