Steering gear — removal and installation Ford F150
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury.
Caution: Before replacing the steering gear, the original unit must have its data uploaded onto a scanner and saved before it is removed from the vehicle, then it can be downloaded into the replacement power steering control module. Caution: Always make sure the negative battery cable is disconnected before disconnecting any of the steering gear components. Failure to do so can result in damage to the EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering) system.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the front wheels.
3. Remove the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. (see Tie-rod ends – removal and installation).
4. Remove the lower engine splash shields and guards.
5. Index the steering gear to the steering shaft, then remove the steering shaft pinch bolt (see illustration).
.5 Remove the pinch bolt. Mark the shaft to the steering universal joint for accurately indexing the shaft when reinstalling
6. Disconnect the electrical connections to the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). Move the wire harness out of the way so it does not get caught in the steering gear assembly as you remove it (see illustration).
.6 PSCM electrical connections
7. Remove the large bolts securing the steering gear assembly to the cross member (see illustration).
.7 Steering gear assembly mounting bolts
8. Shift the steering gear assembly slightly to the driver’s side, then lower the assembly out of the vehicle, taking great care not to damage the inner tie rod threads.
9. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Use all new fasteners for any of the steering components. Torque all bolts and nuts to the proper torque specifications listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
10. Install the wheels and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.