LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Lincoln >> 2003 >> Aviator RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Steering System >> Removal And Installation >> Steering Column
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Steering Column

Fig 1: Special Tool(s)
G01634349Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
    NOTE: If removing the steering wheel or steering column, carry-out steps two and three before starting the removal procedure. If removing the steering column shaft, proceed to item eight in the removal procedure.
  2. Disconnect the battery negative cable for at least one minute to allow the depletion of the backup power supply. For additional information, refer to BATTERY & CHARGING SYSTEM .
    3. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions and notes in the deactivation procedure.
  3. Deactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION .
  4. If removing the steering wheel, remove the driver air bag module. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
  5. If removing the steering column, remove the clockspring. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
  6. Remove the components in the order indicated in the following illustrations. To remove individual components, only carry out the listed steps.
    Fig 2: Steering Component Removal Table
    G01634350Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    Fig 3: Removal Sequence Of Steering Column (1 Of 2)
    G01634351Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    Fig 4: Removal Sequence Of Steering Column (2 Of 2)
    G01634352Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    8. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, read and follow all warnings, cautions and notes in the reactivation procedure.
  8. If deactivated, reactivate the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) DEACTIVATION AND REACTIVATION .
  9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .

Item 1: Steering Wheel Bolt Removal Note 

  1. Loosen the bolt until the steering wheel has been separated from the column and then remove and discard the bolt.

Item 2: Steering Wheel Removal Note 

  1. CAUTION: Removing the steering wheel without using a puller can damage the column bearings.
  2. Use the special tool to remove the steering wheel (3600).
    Fig 5: Removing Steering Wheel
    G01634353Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Item 8: Steering Column Shaft-to-Steering Column Bolt Removal Note 

    CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while the intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .
  1. Remove the bolt and detach the shaft from the column.

Item 11: Lower Shaft-to-Upper Shaft Bolt Removal Note 

  1. Remove the bolt and detach the shaft.

Item 15: Lower Shaft-to-Steering Gear Bolt Removal Note 

  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL position on a hoist.

Item 16: Lower Steering Column Shaft Removal Note 

  1. Make sure to inspect the lower shaft for boot damage or separation from the shaft tube. If damage or separation is evident, a new shaft must be installed.

Item 9: Steering Column Support-to-Instrument Panel Nuts Installation Note 

  1. Make sure that the column support bracket is aligned before tightening the nuts.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals