Steering System: Removal & Installation Ford Explorer III

Item 6: Intermediate Shaft Removal Note

1. Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS»(ref-160412) .

Scheme 15

1. Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle. For reference during installation, count the turns required to remove the tie- rod.

Item 18: Steering Gear Removal Note

Note. On 4x4 vehicles, the following steps (LH lower arm only) must be carried out to provide clearance to remove the steering gear.

Scheme 16

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1. Remove the nut and bolt. Discard the nut.
2. Remove and discard the nuts.
3. Remove the bolt and flag nut. Discard the flag nut.
4. Remove the nut and stabilizer bar link.
5. Remove the steering gear.

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Scheme 21

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove the components in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
4. Fill, purge and leak test the system. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING»(ref-194037-S02809151672005092600000) and «POWER STEERING SYSTEM FILLING»(ref-194037-S39477573472005092600000) .

Scheme 22

1. Using the special tool, remove the pulley.

Scheme 23

1. Remove the nuts and position the bracket and cable aside. Remove the pump bolts.

Item 21: Pump Bolts Installation Note

1. Make sure to align the bracket and pump before tightening the bolts.

Scheme 24

1. Using the special tool, install a new O-ring in the pressure line fitting.

Scheme 25

1. Using the special tool, install the pulley.

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Scheme 27

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove the components in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
4. Fill, purge and leak test the system. For additional information, refer to «POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING»(ref-194037-S02809151672005092600000) and «POWER STEERING SYSTEM FILLING»(ref-194037-S39477573472005092600000) .

Item 15: Pulley Bolts Removal Note

1. Loosen the bolts, position the drive belt aside, and then remove the bolts.

Scheme 28

1. Using the special tool, install a new O-ring on the pressure line fitting.

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1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
2. Disconnect the battery negative cable for at least one minute to allow the depletion of the backup power supply. For additional information, refer to «BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM»(ref-194056) .
3. Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION»(ref-194037-S21424170672005092600000) .
4. If removing the steering wheel, remove the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS»(ref-160412) .
5. If removing the steering column, remove the clockspring. For additional information, refer to «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS»(ref-160412) .
6. Remove the components in the order indicated in the following illustration and table. To remove individual components, only carry out the listed steps.
7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
8. If deactivated, reactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to «SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION»(ref-194037-S21424170672005092600000) .

Item 1: Steering Wheel Bolt Removal Note

1. Loosen the bolt until the steering wheel has been separated from the column and then remove and discard the bolt.

Item 2: Steering Wheel Removal Note

1. Use the special tool to remove the steering wheel (3600).

Item 11: Steering Column Shaft-to-Steering Column Bolt Removal Note

1. Remove the bolt and detach the shaft from the column.

Item 14: Lower Shaft-to-Upper Shaft Bolt Removal Note

1. Remove the bolt and detach the shaft.

Item 18: Lower Shaft-to-Steering Gear Bolt Removal Note

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL position on a hoist.

Item 12: Steering Column Support-to-Instrument Panel Nuts Installation Note

1. Make sure that the column support bracket is aligned before tightening the nuts.

Removal & Installation

Scheme 33

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait at least one minute to allow for the depletion of the supplemental restraint system (SRS) backup power supply. For additional information, refer to Section «BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM»(ref-194056) .
2. Remove the components in the order indicated in the following illustration and table.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 34

1. Remove the upper steering column shroud. Release the retaining clips and rotate the upper steering column trim panel out of the instrument panel. Remove the upper steering column shroud hard shell.

Item 8: Ignition Switch Removal Note

1. Release the two locking tabs and remove the switch.

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Scheme 36

1. Remove the screw, push the release tab and raise the switch.

Item 5: Steering Column Upper Shroud Installation Note

1. Make sure that the upper shroud retainer clips and the upper-to-lower shroud screws secure tightly or a new upper shroud must be installed.