Electronic Steering System: Overhaul Mercury Sable III

Disassembly & Reassembly

Serviceable components on steering gear are bellows, tie rods, actuator, and actuator bolts and seals. Manufacturer does not recommend steering gear overhaul. If necessary, replace steering gear short rack assembly.

Disassembly

1. With steering gear removed from vehicle, mount steering gear in Holding Fixture (T57L-500-B). It may be necessary to drill out holes in holding fixture with a 9/16" drill bit. Mount holding fixture in vise.
2. Remove inner and outer boot clamps. Remove bellows with breather tube. Position rack so several teeth are exposed. Using an adjustable wrench to hold rack at end teeth. Remove tie rod.

Reassembly

1. Position rack so several teeth are exposed. Using a wrench to hold end teeth only, tighten tie rod on rack to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-55511-S01505366252001092500000) . Replace any grease that may have been removed with Steering Gear Grease (C3AZ-19578-A).
2. Apply grease to small hole in bellows to allow toe-in adjustment without twisting bellows. Install bellows and breather tube.
3. Install and tighten inner boot clamps. Install, but do not tighten, outer boot clamps. Install steering gear in vehicle. Adjust toe-in. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section. Tighten outer boot clamps.