Steering System General Information: Other Mercury Sable IV

Steering Linkage

1. With the parking brake applied, carry out the following: NOTE: Excessive vertical or horizontal motion of the stud relative to the steering linkage ball sockets may indicate excessive wear. Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for relative motion of the studs in the steering linkage ball sockets. Watch for a loose steering gear attachment to the frame.
2. Another method is to raise the front tires off the ground, grasp the tire at the front and rear, and watch for excessive play in the joints while trying to pivot the wheels by hand.
3. Steel, greaseable joints can be checked for excessive wear by measuring the torque it takes to turn the stud. Separate the tapered stud from its seat and thread the attaching nut back onto the stud. Turn the stud with an inch-pound torque wrench and note the torque required to turn the stud.
4. Some joint turning torques will be as little as 0.2 Nm (2 lb-in) within the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) and will remain there for the life of the joint.
5. Only install a new ball joint that requires less than 0.2 Nm (2 lb-in) and have any play when moved by hand.
6. Install new components, if any are loose, worn or damaged.

Steering Gear Valve

1. With the vehicle in motion, place the transmission in N (neutral) and turn the engine OFF. If the vehicle does not pull with the engine OFF, repair or install a new steering gear. Refer to «STEERING GEAR -- 3.0L 2V»(ref-178432-S27377870662005061500000) or «STEERING GEAR -- 3.0L 4V»(ref-178432-S24632277952005061500000) . If the vehicle pull direction does not change, check the front suspension components and wheel alignment.

Scheme 30

Purging Procedure

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

1. Remove the fluid reservoir cap and check the fluid.
2. Tightly insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the fluid reservoir.
3. Start the vehicle.
4. Apply maximum vacuum for a minimum of three minutes at idle. Maintain maximum vacuum with the source.
5. Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum source.
6. Add fluid to the appropriate level.
7. Reinstall the vacuum source and apply vacuum.
8. Cycle the steering wheel from stop-to-stop every 30 seconds for approximately 5 minutes.
9. Remove the vacuum source from the fluid reservoir.
10. Turn the engine off. Check the fluid level and fill to the full warm level. Check for leaks at all connections. Install the fluid reservoir cap.
11. Start the engine. If there is any sign of aeration or if the fluid level in the reservoir drops more than 3/8 inch, turn the engine off, and repeat the procedure.

Scheme 33

Filling Procedure

1. Fill the power steering reservoir to the full cold or remote reservoir center mark.
2. Remove the fuel pump relay located in the battery junction box to disable the vehicle from starting.
3. Crank the engine for 30 seconds, check fluid level and add fluid if necessary.
4. Raise the front wheels off the floor.
5. Crank the engine for 30 seconds while cycling the steering wheel from lock-to-lock.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the appropriate level.
8. Install the fuel pump relay.
9. Clear the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Run the vehicle and check the system for leaks.
10. Carry out the «Power Steering System Purging»(ref-178350-S05878224522005061400000) procedure.