Power Steering System: Adjustments Ford Econoline E350

E11: Check Front Wheel Alignment

Check the wheel alignment. Is the wheel alignment OK? If yes, go to the next step. If no, set to specification as required. See 1997 WHEEL ALIGNMENT FORD MOTOR CO. - WHEEL ALIGNMENT article under SUSPENSION.

STEERING GEAR MESHLOAD ADJUSTMENT

Note. The engine must not be running during this procedure.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Turn the steering wheel from right lock to left lock at least once.
2. Remove the driver side air bag. See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM»(ref-24277) article under RESTRAINTS.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the cotter pin and steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut. (Scheme 1)
5. Use a Pitman Arm Puller to separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link. (Scheme 2)
6. Lower and support the front of the vehicle.
7. Attach an INCH lb. torque wrench to the nut and measure the rotating torque from center. (Scheme 3)
8. Rotating torque from center should be 13 INCH lbs. (1.5 N.m). Adjust if out of specification.
9. Hold the sector shaft and loosen the lock nut. Adjust the sector shaft to proper rotating torque. (Scheme 4)
10. Verify that the rotating torque is now 18 INCH lbs. (2 N.m). Readjust, if necessary.
11. Hold the sector shaft. Tighten the lock nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-141727-S24076137292002070900000).
12. Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut (Scheme 1)and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-141727-S24076137292002070900000). Install the cotter pin.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Install the driver side air bag.