Meshload Adjustment

Special Tool(s) 

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool(s)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The engine should not be running.
Fig 2: Turning Steering Wheel From Right Stop To Left Stop
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
1. Turn the steering wheel from right stop to left stop at least once.
2. Remove the driver side air bag. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Remove the steering sector shaft arm drag link nut.
   Fig 3: Removing Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link Nut

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Using the special tool, separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
   Fig 4: Separating Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The front wheels should not touch the ground.
6. Lower and support the front of the vehicle.
NOTE: Reset the steering gear meshload only if the measured rotating torque for total on-center load is less than specification.
Fig 5: Attaching A Torque Wrench To (A) Bolt And Measuring Steering Gear Meshload From Center
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Attach a torque wrench to the (A) bolt and measure the steering gear meshload from center.
8. Meshload adjustment is necessary if out of specification.
   Fig 6: Measuring Meshload Adjustment

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Adjust the sector shaft to correct rotating torque.
   1. Hold the sector shaft and loosen the meshload adjuster locknut.
   2. Adjust the sector shaft.
   Fig 7: Loosening Meshload Adjuster Locknut

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Verify that the rotating torque is to specification.
    • Readjust if necessary.
    Fig 8: Measuring Meshload Adjustment

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Tighten the meshload adjuster locknut.
    1. Hold the sector shaft
    2. Tighten the locknut.
    Fig 9: Tightening Locknut

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link nut.
    1. Position the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
    2. Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link nut.
    Fig 10: Installing Steering Sector Shaft Arm Drag Link Nut

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Install the driver side air bag. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .