Steering System-General Information: Diagnosis Ford Econoline E150

Vertical Inspection

Note. Checking the steering linkage components for vertical (up and down) deflection is preferred, however it may be necessary to check some steering linkage components for lateral (side-to-side) deflection due to lack of clearance for the dial indicator. Outer tie-rod ends should always be checked for vertical deflection . Using a vice grip style, flexible arm dial indicator (such as Snap On® stock # GA3634) is suggested.

Note. The steering linkage component ball studs are spring loaded and will normally have a small amount of vertical deflection when the spring is compressed. However, excessive vertical deflection of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive wear.

1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to appropriate Jack and Lifting in General Information article .
3. If necessary, remove the wheel and tire. Refer to «TIRES & WHEELS»(ref-234566) article .
4. Install the dial indicator as shown. Attach the vise grip/flexible arm to the nut of the steering linkage component being tested or the component that the steering linkage ball stud seats into. Position the flexible arm so that the dial indicator is positioned on the center of the steering linkage component cap and lock the flexible arm.
5. Grasp the steering linkage component forging near the ball stud, push upward, pull downward, and then release it. This will allow the steering linkage component to be in a relaxed position when measuring.
6. Zero the dial indicator.
7. Using a suitable prying device (approximately 457 mm [18 in] long), pry on the steering linkage component forging while observing the deflection of the dial indicator pointer. Only apply moderate force. Do not move the vehicle suspension.
8. If the vertical deflection exceeds 2.30 mm (0.09 in), install a steering linkage component. Refer to «STEERING LINKAGE»(ref-210127) article .

Lateral Inspection

Note. Checking the steering linkage components for vertical (up and down) deflection is preferred, however it may be necessary to check some steering linkage components for lateral (side-to-side) deflection due to lack of clearance for the dial indicator. Outer tie-rod ends should always be checked for vertical deflection. Using a vice grip style, flexible arm dial indicator (such as Snap On® stock # GA3634) is suggested.

1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to appropriate Jack and Lifting in General Information article .
3. Install the dial indicator. Attach the vise grip/flexible arm to the nut of the steering linkage component being tested or the component that the steering linkage ball stud seats into. Position the flexible arm so that the dial indicator is positioned on the end of steering linkage housing and lock the flexible arm.
4. Have an assistant grasp the tire and move the steering linkage from side-to-side. Observe and record the deflection measured with the dial indicator.
5. If the lateral deflection exceeds 1.30 mm (0.05 in), install a new steering linkage component. Refer to «STEERING LINKAGE»(ref-210127) article .

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°(122-140°).
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, STEERING WHEEL TURNING EFFORT»(ref-210123-S08386352922005121300000) .

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°(165-175°) 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 flow rate is below the flow rate specification, continue with the test procedure. If the pressure reading is above the maximum 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, 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. Set engine speed to 2,100 RPM. Record the flow rate. If the flow rate varies more than 3.785 liters/minute (1 gallon/minute) from the initial flow rate reading, 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»(ref-210125) .
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»(ref-210125) .
2. Move the front wheel knuckle tie rod back and forth 3 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»(ref-210123-S08386352922005121300000) and «TIE-ROD ARTICULATION TORQUE»(ref-210123-S37863130622005121300000) .
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»(ref-210125) .