Steering Columns: Overhaul Ford Thunderbird X

CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING)

On vehicles with air bag, the contact assembly contains a clockspring, providing a constant path for electrical current between air bag module and air bag system control devices. Clockspring function is similar to horn slip ring and brush assembly, but provides a more positive connection.

Clockspring will be damaged if steering shaft is allowed to rotate after steering shaft has been disconnected from intermediate shaft. When disconnecting steering shaft from intermediate shaft, wire steering shaft to column to prevent clockspring damage. If reusing original contact assembly, tape clockspring rotor in stationary position before removing contact assembly from steering column. (Scheme 9)and (Scheme 10).

A locking insert is installed in replacement contact assembly to prevent rotation of clockspring. DO NOT remove locking insert until contact assembly is installed on steering column.

For more information on air bag system, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT section.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

OVERHAUL

STEERING COLUMN OVERHAUL

Disassembly (Continental, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VII, Mark VIII, Sable, Taurus & Town Car)

1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-42980-S34120524902001011700000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Remove contact assembly (clockspring). See «CONTACT ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) R & I»(ref-42980-S31324308772001011700000). Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN R & I»(ref-42980-S04297141212001011700000).
3. Remove "U" joint, lower coil spring, sensor ring and tolerance ring from lower end of steering shaft. see scheme 3and see scheme 4. Remove slip ring brush assembly. Note installation position of turn-signal cancel cam and remove from steering shaft. CAUTION: Lock cylinder housing is under spring pressure. To prevent rapid expansion of tilt position spring, hold lock cylinder housing stationary while removing tilt pivot bolts.
4. Remove ignition switch. Remove upper snap ring. Remove upper coil spring and upper tolerance ring. On vehicles with column shift, remove shift control assembly. Remove shift cable bracket.
5. Using a drift punch, tap loose pivot pin securing lock actuator cam to lock actuator housing. Remove pivot pin with diagonal pliers. Remove bearing retainer from lock cylinder bore. Remove ignition lock gear. Remove 2 tilt pivot bolts. Remove lock cylinder housing from lock actuator housing.
6. Remove steering shaft from column housing. Remove column lock actuator. Using a drift punch, remove pivot pin from tilt position levers. Remove tilt position lock arms and springs.

Reassembly (Continental, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VII, Mark VIII, Sable, Taurus & Town Car)

1. Install steering shaft into lock actuator housing. Install lower column mounting bracket and lower bearing retainer to lock actuator housing. Install lower tolerance ring, sensor ring, lower coil spring and "U" joint to lower end of steering shaft.
2. Position lock actuator assembly into lock actuator housing. Position lock actuator cam in lock actuator housing, and install cam pivot pin with small hammer until even with lock actuator housing.
3. Install tilt position lever and spring into lock actuator housing; use a drift punch to hold lever in place. Install other tilt position lever and spring into lock actuator housing. Tap pivot pin into place while driving out drift punch.
4. Support area of lock actuator housing where tilt position levers are attached by placing lock actuator housing over a partially open vise. Drive in pivot pin until even with housing. Place 2 nuts or spacers between tilt position levers and lock actuator housing so levers are held partially open.
5. Place tilt position spring on lock cylinder housing. Apply multipurpose lubricant to shoulders of tilt pivot bolts. Install lock cylinder housing to lock actuator housing using tilt pivot bolts.
6. Install upper tolerance ring, upper coil spring and a new snap ring onto steering shaft. To ease installation of snap ring, place a piece of pipe, 3/4" x 2 1/4" (19 mm x 57 mm), over steering shaft.
7. Insert steering wheel bolt through large washer. Thread steering wheel bolt into steering shaft and tighten until snap ring snaps into groove on steering shaft. Remove bolt and pipe.
8. Install turn signal cancel cam. Align ignition switch pin with slot in lock cylinder housing, and install ignition switch. Apply multipurpose grease to lock cylinder gear and washer. Install lock cylinder gear, washer and retainer into bore of lock cylinder housing.
9. On vehicles with column shift, coat shift control assembly bushings with multipurpose grease and install shift control assembly. Install shift cable bracket onto lower bearing retainer.
10. Install slip ring brush assembly. Install steering column into vehicle. Install contact assembly (clockspring) and steering wheel. Connect battery ground cable. Check AIR BAG light for system faults.

Disassembly (Escort & Tracer)

Remove steering column. See STEERING COLUMN R & I. Using a hammer and chisel, make a groove in head of each of 2 steering column lock mounting bracket bolts. Remove and discard bolts. Remove column lock and mounting bracket. Remove column shaft-to-"U" joint bolt. Remove "U" joint-to-intermediate shaft bolt. see scheme 9

Reassembly (Escort & Tracer)

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten intermediate shaft-to-"U" joint pinch bolt to specification. Tighten "U" joint-to-column shaft pinch bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install NEW lock mounting bracket bolts. Ensure proper operation of column lock. Tighten bracket bolts until heads break off.