Steering Linkage Mercury Sable I

DESCRIPTION

All Steering component fasteners are made of special quality materials. Replacement fasteners must be of same material. DO NOT weld, heat or bend steering linkage to repair or straighten. Tighten all fasteners to specification.

When installing cotter pins, tighten nut to lower specified torque, then tighten nut to next slot that lines up with stud hole. Always use NEW cotter pins during reassembly. Hammering on ball studs may result in damage to threads. Ensure threads are clean and lightly lubricated prior to tightening

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

Removal (Rack & Pinion Steering Gear)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from tie rod ends. Using a puller, separate tie rod ends from steering knuckle. Remove tie rod end lock nuts. Mark position of tie rod end for reassembly reference.
2. Unscrew tie rod ends from tie rod. Remove outer boot clamps. Slide boots back out of way. Remove steering gear from vehicle (if necessary). See appropriate STEERING GEAR article in the STEERING section: STEERING GEAR - MANUAL (For Escort, Tempo & Topaz) STEERING GEAR - POWER (for Cougar, Mark VII, Mustang & Thunderbird) STEERING GEAR - POWER (for Sable & Taurus) STEERING GEAR - POWER (for all others)
3. Bend back tab lock washers. Position rack to allow wrench to fit on end teeth. Holding rack, unscrew tie rod from rack by turning tie rod ball joint. Remove and discard tab lock washers.

Installation

1. Install new tab lock washers. Install tie rod. Tighten ball joint to specifications. Pull boots back, into position. Install outer boot clamps. Noting marks made during removal, install tie rod end lock nuts and tie rod ends.
2. Insert tie rod ends into steering knuckles. Install castle nuts and NEW cotter pins. Lower vehicle. Adjust toe-in. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES in appropriate WHEEL ALIGNMENT section. Tighten tie rod end lock nuts. WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Crown Victoria, Town Car & Grand Marquis) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Escort) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Taurus & Sable) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Tempo & Topaz) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Continental) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Mark VII)

Removal (Recirculating Ball Steering Gear)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts from inner and outer tie rod ends. Using a puller, separate tie rod ends from steering knuckle and center link.
2. To remove tie rod ends from adjusting sleeve, loosen clamp bolts. Unscrew tie rod ends, noting number of turns necessary for reassembly reference.

1. If tie rod ends were removed, apply penetrating oil to clamps, tie rod threads and adjusting sleeve. Wipe threads clean. Lubricate threads with EP chassis lube. Install adjusting sleeve clamps.
2. Thread tie rod ends same number of turns required during removal. Ensure both ends are equal distance (within 3 threads) into sleeve.
3. Install tie rod assembly, castle nuts and NEW cotter pins. Properly position adjusting sleeve clamps. Lower vehicle. Adjust toe-in. See appropriate WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section. Tighten clamp bolts. WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Crown Victoria, Town Car & Grand Marquis) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Escort) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Taurus & Sable) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Tempo & Topaz) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Continental) WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Mark VII)

Removal & Installation

Raise and support vehicle. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts. Using a puller, separate inner tie rod ends, idler arm and pitman arm from center link. Remove center link from vehicle. Reverse removal procedure to install. Ensure idler arm stud seal is in place. Lower vehicle. Adjust toe-in.

Removal

1. Raise vehicle. Separate center link from idler arm. Remove 2 idler arm mounting bolts.
2. Idler arm should be replaced when a vertical force of 25 lbs. (11kg) is applied at center link end of idler arm, and vertical lash exceeds .13" (3.3 mm).

To install, reverse removal procedure.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Mark pitman arm-to-steering shaft for reassembly reference.
2. Remove center link ball joint stud cotter pin and nut. Using a puller, separate center link from pitman arm. DO NOT hammer on end of puller.
3. Remove pitman arm retaining nut. Using a puller, separate pitman arm from steering gear. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten nuts to specification.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS