Steering System-General Information Ford Crown Victoria II

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 1

For information on the power steering pump reservoir, power steering pump, power steering lines, and steering gear, refer to POWER STEERING .

For information on the steering wheel, column assembly and intermediate shaft, refer to STEERING COLUMN .

Scheme 2

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

VARIABLE ASSIST POWER STEERING (VAPS)

The Variable Assist Power Steering (VAPS) system controls the level of power assistance available to the driver based on vehicle speed. Below 3.2 km/h (2 mph), full power steering assist is provided to lessen steering efforts and increase maneuverability. Between 3.2 km/h (2 mph) and 191 km/h (119 mph), steering assist will decrease gradually at a calibrated rate to raise steering efforts for increased directional stability and greater road feel. Above 191 km/h (119 mph), steering assist is constant.

The VAPS module outputs a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) current to the control valve actuator. The control valve actuator controls the hydraulic valve that determines the amount of hydraulic assist provided to the steering gear. The amount of assistance provided varies with the control valve actuator current, which is based on vehicle speed.

The vehicle speed is provided to the VAPS module by the powertrain control module (PCM).

Inspection and Verification

Note. Make the following preliminary checks before repairing the steering system

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Verify the customer concern.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.
3. Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions: Aerated or foamy: Purge the power steering system. REFER to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information) . Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. REFER to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM FILLING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information) .
4. Check the power steering system for fluid leaks. Check the power steering fluid level. NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level. With the ignition OFF: Wipe off the power steering pump, power steering pressure hose, power steering return hose, power steering fluid cooler, hose assembly and steering gear. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times and check for leaks. If a fluid leak from the steering line-to-steering gear clamp plate is evident, Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) article.
5. Inspect the power steering pressure and return hoses, fittings and O-rings for leaks. If a leak is detected at a power steering pressure or return hose, install a new hose. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) article. If a leak is detected between a fitting nut, seal the fitting nut using a Teflon® joint seal. If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, clamp plate, O-rings, and Teflon® seals. Install new as necessary. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) article. If a leak is detected at the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) article. If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is fully installed on the fitting and that the hose clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new screw clamp. If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, tighten the screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) article. If a leak is detected at the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) article. NOTE: To inspect for leaks it may be necessary to remove the squeeze-type clamp from the steering gear boots.
6. Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. If a leak is detected at the power steering gear, install a new power steering gear. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) article.
7. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause before proceeding to the next step.
8. If the concern remains after the inspection, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) located beneath the instrument panel, and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle: Check that the program card is correctly installed. Check the connections to the vehicle. Check the ignition switch position.
9. If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the tester manual.
10. Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with: SCP or ISO; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to «MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/communication-devices/#module-communications-network-system) article. No response/not equipped for 4WAS module, refer to «MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/communication-devices/#module-communications-network-system) article. System passed, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the 4WAS module.
11. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to «AIR SUSPENSION MODULE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) INDEX»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information) to continue diagnostics.
12. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information) to continue diagnostics.

AIR SUSPENSION MODULE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHART

Steering System Symptom Definitions

DRIFT/PULL

Pull is described as a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight.

Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with the hands off the steering wheel.

1. A vehicle-related drift/pull, on a flat road, can cause a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and require constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect.
2. Drift/pull can be induced by conditions external to the vehicle (i.e. wind, road camber).

EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL PLAY

Excessive steering wheel play is a condition in which there is too much steering wheel movement before the wheels move. A small amount of steering wheel free play is considered normal.

FEEDBACK

Feedback is a roughness felt in the steering wheel when the vehicle is driven over rough pavement.

HARD STEERING OR LACK OF ASSIST

Hard steering or lack of assist is experienced when the steering wheel effort exceeds specifications. Hard steering can remain constant through the full turn or occur near the end of a turn. It is important to know the difference between hard steering/lack of assist and binding.

Hard steering or lack of assist can result from either hydraulic or mechanical conditions. It is extremely important to know if this concern occurs during driving or during high-effort parking maneuvers.

NIBBLE

Sometimes confused with shimmy, nibble is a condition resulting from tire interaction with various road surfaces and observed by the driver as small rotational oscillations of the steering wheel.

POOR RETURN ABILITY/STICKY STEERING

Poor return ability and sticky steering is used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a turn, or the steering correction, is completed.

SHIMMY

Shimmy, as observed by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting from large, side-to-side (lateral) tire/wheel movements.

Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire contacts pot holes or irregularities in the road surface.

WANDER

Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel corrections to maintain a straight path down a level road.

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

STEERING LINKAGE

1. With the vehicle on the ground and the parking brake applied, start the vehicle and carry out the following: Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets. Watch for loose steering gear mounting.
2. An additional check is with the KOEO and the front wheels raised off the ground, grasp the wheel at the front and rear and watch for excessive play or binding in the joints while trying to steer the wheels.
3. Install new components if necessary. Tighten any worn, damaged, or loose components.

TURNING EFFORT TEST

Note. Make sure that the front wheels are correctly aligned and the tire pressure is correct before checking the steering effort.

1. Park the vehicle on dry concrete and set the parking brake.
2. Insert a thermometer into the power steering oil reservoir.
3. Idle the engine for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times to warm the fluid to 50-60°C (122-140°F).
4. With the engine running, attach the spring scale to the rim of the steering wheel.
5. Measure the pull required to turn the steering wheel one complete revolution in each direction. Refer to «GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information__general-specifications) , Steering Wheel Turning Effort.

PUMP FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST

1. Install the power steering analyzer at the high pressure port of the power steering pump. Make sure the power steering analyzer gate valve is fully open.
2. Place a dial thermometer in the power steering pump reservoir.
3. Check the power steering fluid level. If necessary, add specified power steering fluid.
4. Install a digital tachometer.
5. Start the engine. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. Set the parking brake. Raise the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80°C (165-175°F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times.
6. With the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position, set the engine speed to 2,100 RPM. Record the flow rate and pressure readings. If the pressure reading is above the pressure specification, check the power steering hoses for kinks and restrictions.
7. Partially close the gate valve to obtain 750 psi. Set the engine speed at idle. Record the flow rate. If the flow is less than the specified flow rate at idle, install a new power steering pump.
8. Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Record the pressure relief valve actuation pressure reading. If the pressure does not meet the relief pressure specification, then install a new power steering pump.
9. With the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position, set engine to 2,100 RPM. Record the flow rate. If the flow rate is less than the specified flow rate at 2,100 RPM, install a new power steering pump.
10. Set the engine speed at idle. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel to the left and right stops. Record flow rate and pressure readings at the stops. The pressure reading at both stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump relief pressure. The flow rate should drop below 1.9 liters/minute (0.5 gallons/minute). If the pressure does not reach the maximum pump relief pressure or the flow rate does not drop below the specified value, excessive internal leakage is occurring. Install a new steering gear as necessary. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
11. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly while watching the pressure gauge. The pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap back as the steering wheel is released. If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking or the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkages before repairing the steering gear.

TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE

Note. This check may be done with the steering gear on or off the vehicle.

1. Disconnect the tie-rod-end from the front wheel knuckle. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
2. Move the front wheel knuckle tie-rod back and forth three times.
3. Hook a spring scale over the tie-rod end, or the threaded portion of the front wheel knuckle tie-rod, and measure the force required to move the front wheel knuckle tie-rod. Refer to «GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information__general-specifications) or «TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information__tie-rod-articulation-torque)
4. If the force required to move the front wheel knuckle tie-rod does not meet the specifications, install a new front wheel knuckle tie-rod. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .

STEERING GEAR VALVE

1. With the vehicle in motion, place the transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the engine OFF. If the vehicle does not pull with the engine OFF, repair or install a new steering gear. Refer to «POWER STEERING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
2. If the vehicle pulls with the engine OFF, switch the right side front wheel to the left side of the vehicle and the left side front wheel to the right side of the vehicle.
3. If the vehicle pulls to the opposite side, switch the front wheels with the rear wheels keeping them on the same side of the vehicle.
4. If the vehicle pull direction does not change, check the front suspension components, wheel alignment and frame alignment. Refer to «FRONT»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) article.

Power Steering System Flushing

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION

1. Remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
2. Using a suitable suction device, remove the power steering fluid from the reservoir.
3. Disconnect the power steering fluid return hose from the reservoir. Remove the clamp.
4. Plug the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
5. Attach an extension hose to the power steering return hose.
6. Place the open end of the extension hose into a suitable container.
7. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with new fluid.
8. Start the engine while simultaneously turning the steering wheel to lock and then immediately turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
9. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir with the approved power steering fluid.
10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 , turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction each time, until the fluid exiting the power steering fluid return hose is clean and clear of foreign material.
11. Remove the extension hose from the power steering return hose.
12. Remove the plug from the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
13. Install the power steering return hose to the reservoir. Install the clamp.
14. If, after properly filling the power steering system, there is power steering noise accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid and there are no fluid leaks, it may be necessary to purge the power steering system. For additional information, REFER to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information) . Fill the power steering system. For additional information, REFER to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM FILLING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-system-general-information) .

Scheme 13

MATERIAL SPEECHIFICATION

1. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap. Check the fluid.
2. Raise the front wheels off the floor. Refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(/ford/crown-victoria/ii-1997-2011/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-lifting) article.
3. Tightly insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the reservoir.
4. Start the engine.
5. Install the vacuum pump, apply vacuum, and maintain the maximum vacuum of 68-85 kPa (20-25 in-Hg).
6. If equipped with Hydro-Boost®, apply the brake pedal twice.
7. Cycle the steering wheel fully from stop-to-stop 10 times.
8. Stop the engine.
9. Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.
10. Fill the reservoir. Use approved transmission fluid.
11. Start the engine.
12. Install the vacuum pump. Apply and maintain the maximum vacuum of 68-85 kPa (20-25 in-Hg).
13. Cycle the steering wheel fully from stop-to-stop 10 times.
14. Stop the engine, release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.
15. Fill the reservoir as needed and install the reservoir cap.
16. Visually inspect the power steering system for leaks.
17. Fill the reservoir as needed and visually inspect the power steering system for leaks.
18. Install the reservoir cap.

Scheme 14

MATERIAL SPEECHIFICATION

1. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap.
2. Tightly install the evacuation cap to the power steering pump reservoir.
3. Install the hose from the fill adapter manifold tee to the evacuation cap on the power steering pump reservoir.
4. Install the vacuum pump to the fill adapter manifold control valve.
5. Install the hose to the opposite fill adapter manifold control valve and submerge the open end of the hose into a container of new power steering fluid.
6. Close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
7. Open the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the vacuum pump.
8. Using the vacuum pump, apply 68-85 kPa (20-25 in-Hg) of vacuum to the power steering system.
9. Observe the vacuum gauge for 30 seconds.
10. If the vacuum gauge reading drops more than 3 kPa (0.88 in-Hg), correct any leaks in the power steering system or the filling tools before proceeding.
11. Slowly open the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container until power steering fluid completely fills the hose.
12. Close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
13. Using the vacuum pump, apply 68-85 kPa (20-25 in-Hg) of vacuum to the power steering system.
14. Close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the vacuum pump.
15. Slowly open the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
16. When the power steering fluid has drained from the hose connected to the power steering fluid container, close the fill adapter manifold control valve connected to the power steering fluid container.
17. Remove the tools from the vehicle.
18. Install the power steering reservoir cap.
19. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop.
20. If equipped with Hydro-Boost®, apply the brake pedal twice.
21. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
22. Remove the power steering reservoir cap and fill the reservoir.
23. Install the power steering reservoir cap.

See also:
• POWER STEERING
• STEERING COLUMN
• MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK
• GENERATORS & REGULATORS
• MODULE CONFIGURATION
• FRONT
• JACKING & LIFTING
• POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING
• GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
• TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE