Steering - Drift/Sensitive/Constant Correction
Article No.94-9-2
05/04/94
STEERING - DRIFT/WANDERS, SENSITIVE, CONSTANT CORRECTION
FORD:
1992-93 CROWN VICTORIA
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1991-93 TOWN CAR
1992-93 GRAND MARQUIS
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to the correct the part number for the Pitman arm.
ISSUE:
Steering drift/wander may occur in some new vehicles. This may be caused by high friction between components, excessive toe-in or high tire pressure. In some cases, normal break-in of the vehicle will reduce component friction to an acceptable level.
ACTION:
Use the following diagnostic procedure to identify the concern and, if necessary, install front lower arm shim washers to correct the sensitive steering condition.
1. Confirm the concern with a test drive. Be aware that...
^ Higher than usual friction makes minor steering adjustments more frequent.
^ The friction may mask the aligning torque provided by suspension and tires.
^ The steering center friction may cause memory steer and for slight steering adjustments, the steering wheel center may have a small range of locations.
2. Before repair, make a hoist inspection of the vehicle for any damaged or improperly installed suspension or steering components.
3. Verify that the vehicle has proper ride heights and ride attitude.
4. To correct any discrepancies noted or for other potential causes of steering system complaints, refer to the Steering Diagnostic Section of the appropriate Service Manual.
SENSITIVE STEERING DIAGNOSTIC AND SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Check tire pressures and reset to specification.
^ 30 psi Front/34 psi Rear - Base with Michelin XW-4 and XGT-4
^ 32 psi Front/35 psi Rear - Handling Package with Goodyear Eagle GA
^ 35 psi Front/35 psi Rear - Police with Goodyear GT + 4
2. Check front and rear alignment parameters. Reset caster and camber to nominal specified values.
IMPORTANT:
SET FRONT TOE TO - 1/8" (or -.125~). TOE OUT-TOTAL (corresponding values in inches are .06 or 1/16").
3. Adjust the steering gear meshload to 8.0 in.lb. (or 2.0 in.lb. greater than preload).
4. Loosen idler to frame bolts and gear bolts. Retighten idler and gear bolts while pushing up on the centerlink with about 75 lbs. of force to take up any slack in the bolt holes.
5. Measure the gap between the front suspension lower control arm front bushing and the inner surface of the frame, Figure 1. The gap will be at the front of the headed end of the bushing.
6. Add a shim washer(s) (391112-S2) as required to fill this gap if it is greater than 1/16" (1.558 mm), Figure 1. Washer dimensions are:
^ Inside diameter: 22.5 - 23.25 mm
^ Outside diameter: 50 - 51 mm
a. With the car on a pit or hoist, look at the front of the front bushing on the front suspension lower control arm.
b. If the rubber head on the bushing touches the flange on the frame, the shim is not needed and probably can not be installed.
c. If the gap between the rubber and the frame is wide enough that the inner sleeve of the bushing shows, shim washers may help.
d. Look at the size of the gap to determine if one (1) or two (2) washers will be needed.
CAUTION:
DO NOT USE MORE THAN TWO (2) WASHERS.
e. With a jack under the front bushing, remove the bolt.
f. Lower and pry to get the bushing down far enough to slip the washer(s) over the bushing inner sleeve.
g. Jack and pry the bushing back into position and slip the bolt into the hole.
h. Visually inspect to make sure the plastic washers are still in position.
i. Install the nut and tighten to maximum specification.
CAUTION:
THE PLASTIC WASHER MUST NOT BE PINCHED BETWEEN THE BUSHING INNER SLEEVE AND THE FRAME.
7. Measure the rotating torque of the Pitman arm stud by placing the Pitman arm in a vice, double nutting the stud and measuring the rotating torque with an inch pound torque wrench. Rotating torque should be less than 60 in.lb. (breakaway torque will be slightly higher).
8. Replace the Pitman arm if necessary with a known low friction Pitman arm (F3AZ-3590-A).
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
391112-S2 Shim Washer S
F3AZ-3590-A Pitman Arm A
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 94-2-6
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of The Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
940902A Inspect And Align Vehicle 1.0 Hr.
940902B Inspect, Align Vehicle And 1.7 Hrs.
Adjust Steering Gear
Meshload
940902C Inspect, Align Vehicle, 1.8 Hrs.
Adjust Steering Gear
Meshload And Adjust
Steering Assy. to Frame
940902D Inspect, Align, Adjust 1.9 Hrs.
Steering Gear Meshload,
Adjust Steering Assy. To
Frame And Measure Gap In
Lower Control Arm
940902E Inspect, Align, Adjust 2.1 Hrs.
Steering Gear Meshload,
Adjust Steering Assy. To
Frame, Measure Gap In
Lower Control Arm And
Measure Rotating Torque
On The Pitman Arm,
Includes Pitman Arm
Replacement
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
3590 36
OASIS CODES: 303000