Electronic Power Assist Steering: Removal & Installation Ford Explorer V

Removal

Installation

1. Position the steering gear and install the 2 new steering gear bolts. Tighten to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft).
2. Raise the subframe.
3. Position the 2 subframe support brackets and install the 4 subframe support bracket bolts finger-tight.
4. Install the 2 subframe rearward bolts. Tighten the subframe rearward and forward bolts to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
5. Tighten the 4 subframe support bracket bolts. Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
6. Install the 2 RH inner fender shield-to-subframe pin-type retainers.
7. Connect the 2 EPAS electrical connectors and attach the wiring harness pin-type retainers to the steering gear.
8. Install the wiring harness-to-steering gear bolt. Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
9. Position the flap heat shield and install the flap heat shield bolt. Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
10. Install the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt. Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
11. If equipped with a 3.5L engine, install the exhaust Y-pipe. REFER to «EXHAUST Y-PIPE»(ref-517548-S08700774252012121200000) .
12. Position the underbody shield and install the 4 retainers.
13. Position the 2 outer tie-rod ends and install the outer tie-rod end nuts. Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft)
14. Connect the stabilizer bar links and install the 2 new stabilizer bar link upper nuts. Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft)
15. Connect the steering column shaft to the steering gear and install the new steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt. Tighten to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
16. Install the front wheels and tires. REFER to «WHEEL AND TIRE»(ref-517542)
17. When installing a new steering gear, it must be configured (using vehicle as-built data or module configuration information retrieved earlier in this procedure). Refer to the scan tool instructions to carry out «PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION (PMI)»(ref-517596-S07367743742012121200000) .

Note. When servicing inner tie rods, a new bellows boot and clamps must be installed. The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear, causing failure of the steering gear components. Zip ties must not be used as they do not provide an airtight seal.

Note. The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water contamination. Do not allow water to become trapped in the grease or degradation and failure of the joint may occur.

Note. If the RH inner tie rod is being serviced, the LH outer tie-rod end and bellows boot must also be removed to access and hold the steering gear rack when loosening and tightening the inner tie rod.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. REFER to «JACKING AND LIFTING»(ref-517532-S17733021342012121200000) for lifting points.
2. Loosen the tie-rod jam nut(s).
3. Remove the outer tie-rod end nut(s) and disconnect the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle(s).
4. Remove the tie-rod jam nut(s).
5. Remove and discard the inner and outer bellows boot clamps.
6. Remove and discard the bellows boot(s).
7. While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool (such as Snap On® Stock# YA3000B) or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to remove the inner tie rod.

Scheme 7

1. NOTE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod. NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH side when servicing the RH inner tie rod. NOTE: Crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool shown in illustration. While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot-style inner tie-rod tool (such as Snap On® Stock# YA3000B) or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to install the inner tie rod. Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
2. Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surfaces and bellows boot grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.
3. NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the grooves in the inner tie-rod casting. Position the new inner bellows boot clamp(s) on the new bellows boot(s) and install the bellows boot(s).
4. NOTE: Make sure that the end of the steering gear bellows boot is positioned between the 2 grooves on the inner tie rod or an internal leak may occur. Using a suitable constant velocity joint boot clamp installer, crimp/tighten the inner bellows boot clamp(s). Install the outer bellows boot clamp(s).
5. Thread the tie-rod jam nut(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).
6. NOTE: Install the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal. Thread the outer tie rod(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).
7. NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while installing the nut. Connect the outer tie-rod end(s) to the wheel knuckle(s) and install the nut(s). Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
8. Tighten the tie-rod jam nut(s). Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. REFER to «TOE ADJUSTMENT - FRONT»(ref-517539-S03148492392012121200000) .