Steering - Return Line Detached from Steering Gear Tube
Article No.96-18-1
08/26/96
STEERING - POWER STEERING RETURN LINE DETACH FROM STEERING GEAR TUBE - COLD CLIMATE - VEHICLES BUILT FROM 8/1/95 THROUGH 5/1/96
FORD:
1996 THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1996 COUGAR
ISSUE:
The power steering return hose may detach from the power steering return tube near the steering gear in extremely cold weather on some vehicles. This may be caused by a loose fit between the power steering return hose and the power steering return tube.
ACTION:
Replace the Power Steering Return Tube (FL3Y-3A713-D). The diameter of the correct Return Tube (F3LY-3A713-D) should be no smaller than 11.7 mm. Return Tubes (F3LY-3A713-D) manufactured after 5/96 have the proper diameter. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Refer to Figure 1 for the following procedure.
1. With vehicle on hoist overhead, remove mounting bolts from steering gear.
2. Disconnect flex coupling at steering gear input shaft.
3. Cut through old power steering return tube.
4. Remove fitting holding power steering return tube to the steering gear.
5. Slide back hose clamp and remove power steering return tube from power steering return hose.
6. If access to return tube is not limited, proceed to Step 7. If access to the return tube is limited, unscrew power steering pressure tube from power steering pressure line and unscrew its fitting from steering gear.
7. Replace return side and pressure side fitting(s) (if removed in Step 6) in steering gear.
8. Slide new Power Steering Return Tube (F3LY-3A713-D) into power steering return hose and slide on hose clamp.
9. Snap Power Steering Return Tube (F3LY-3A713-D) into return fitting on the steering gear. Tighten hose clamp.
10. Screw new Power Steering Pressure Tube (F1SZ-3A719-D) onto power steering pressure line (if removed in Step 6).
11. Snap Power Steering Pressure Tube into pressure fitting on the steering gear (if removed in Step 6).
12. Re-mount steering gear and tighten mounting bolts and nuts.
13. Attach flex coupling to steering gear input shaft.
14. Lower vehicle and replace steering fluid as needed to bring level up to proper mark on dipstick.
15. Start engine and rotate steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to purge air from steering system.
16. Recheck steering fluid level and fill as needed.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
F3LY-3A713-D Power Steering Return Tube
(Diameter No Less Than 11.7 mm)
F1SZ-3A719-D Power Steering Pressure Tube
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
961801A Replace Power Steering 1.3 Hrs.
Return Tube
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3A713 57
OASIS CODES: 303000