Steering Gear: Removal

All vehicles 

1. If installing a new steering gear, connect the scan tool and upload the module configuration information from the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM). Refer to MODULE CONFIGURATION .
2. NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).

   Install a holding device to hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.

   Fig 1: Holding Steering Wheel Using Tool

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
4. NOTE: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while disconnected from the gear or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated, remove and recenter the clockspring. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM .

   Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.

   • Discard the bolt.
5. Remove the 2 stabilizer bar link upper nuts.
   • Discard the nuts.
6. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts and separate the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckle.
7. Remove the 4 retainers and the underbody shield, if equipped.
8. Remove the 3 (some vehicles have only 2) RH engine splash shield-to-subframe pin-type retainers.

   Vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Ti-VCT or 3.7L Ti-VCT engine 

9. Remove the Y-pipe. Refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM .
10. Remove the 2 roll restrictor heat shield nuts and the engine roll restrictor heat shield.

    Vehicles equipped with a 2.0L GTDI  , 3.5L Ti-VCT  , or 3.7L Ti-VCT engine 

11. Remove the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.

    Vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine 

12. Remove the RH and LH exhaust flexible pipes. Refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM .
13. Remove the 2 front and rear roll restrictor-to-subframe bolts.

    All vehicles 

14. Position the Powertrain Lift under the subframe.
    Fig 2: Positioning Powertrain Lift Under Subframe

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
15. Remove the 2 front subframe rearward bolts, the 4 support bracket bolts and the 2 subframe support brackets.
    • Loosen the 2 front subframe forward bolts.
16. Lower the subframe to gain access to the steering gear.
17. Remove the flap heat shield bolt and position the flap heat shield to access the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors.
18. Remove the wiring harness bracket bolt and position the bracket and ground wire aside.
    Fig 3: Locating Wiring Harness Bracket Mounting Bolt

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
19. Disconnect the 2 Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors and the wiring retainer.
20. NOTE: Position the stabilizer bar to the full up position.

    Remove the 2 steering gear bolts.

    • Remove the steering gear from the RH side of the vehicle.