Bearing Replacement
Fig. 3 Fixed steering column exploded view (Typical). 1982---83 Mark VI 1982---87 Ford & Mercury; 1982---87 Town Car:
Fig. 4 Tilt steering column exploded view (Typical). 1982---83 Mark VI; 1982---87 Ford & Mercury; 1982---87 Town Car:
Fig. 7 Column shift fixed steering column exploded view (Typical). Cougar, Cougar XR-7, Fairmont & Zephyr, Thunderbird:
Fig. 8 Floor shift fixed steering column exploded view (Typical). Capri & Mustang, Cougar, Fairmont & Zephyr & Granada:
Fig. 9 Column shift tilt steering column exploded view (Typical). Cougar, Cougar XR-7, Fairmont & Zephyr, Thunderbird, 1982---87 Lincoln Continental 1984---87 Mark VII:
Fig. 10 Floor shift tilt steering column exploded view (Typical). Capri & Mustang, Cougar, Fairmont & Zephyr & Granada:
Fig. 12 Tilt steering column exploded view (Typical). 1984---87 EXP, Tempo & Topaz:
Fig. 11 Fixed steering column exploded view (Typical). Escort, Lynx, EXP, LN7, Tempo & Topaz exc. models w/air bag restraint system (Part 1 of 2):
Fig. 11 Fixed steering column exploded view (Typical). Escort, Lynx, EXP, LN7, Tempo & Topaz exc. models w/air bag restraint system (Part 2 of 2):
MODELS W/MODULAR STEERING COLUMN
Refer to Figs. 3, 4 and 7 through 12 for component identification.
Removal
1. Remove steering wheel, the two trim shroud halves and upper bearing retainer plate.
2. Remove nuts which attach steering column lower shaft and U-joint assembly to flange on steering gear input shaft.
3. Remove snap ring which retains the upper bearing onto the steering shaft.
4. Pull outward on steering shaft about {1-4} inch, then insert the blades of two screwdrivers under the bearing by using the two ramps provided in the casting for this purpose. Gently pry the bearing off the knurl on the steering shaft.
Installation
1. Using a punch, upset the serrated portion of the upper shaft sufficiently to assure an interference fit between the bearing inner race and the steering column upper shaft.
2. Place bearing and insulator on steering column upper shaft and work bearing and insulator as far down as possible. Place a piece of pipe ({3-4} inch dia. 1{1-2} inch long) over end of upper shaft, then install steering wheel nut and tighten nut until bearing is seated firmly on steering shaft.
3. Remove steering wheel nut and pipe, then install snap ring above the bearing and bearing retainer plate.
4. On all except Ford & Mercury full size, 1982---83 Mark VI & Town Car, engage safety strap and bolt assembly onto steering gear input shaft, then install the two nuts and torque to 20---37 ft. lbs. The safety strap must be properly positioned to prevent metal to metal contact after torquing the nuts. Also, pry steering shaft up or down with a pry bar to obtain ±{1-8} inch coupling insulator flatness.
5. On all models, install trim shrouds and steering wheel, then check steering column for proper operation.
Fig. 15 Steering column tool:
Fig. 16 Steering column tool positioning:
SABLE & TAURUS
Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground, then remove steering column cover from lower portion of instrument panel
2. Remove ignition lock cylinder.
3. On models equipped with tilt column, remove tilt release lever.
4. On all models, remove shrouds, multi-function switch, horn pad and steering wheel.
5. Fabricate tool from piece of tubing as shown in Fig. 15.
6. Install tool on steering shaft, aligning clearance slot over shaft retaining pin.
7. Install steering wheel nut, Fig.16, and relieve spring pressure on shaft retaining pin.
8. Remove retaining pin from steering shaft using a suitable drift.
9. Remove steering wheel nut and tool.
10. Remove steering shaft retaining washer and upper alignment wedge from steering shaft.
11. Insert a small screwdriver between inner and outer race of bearing and gently pry bearing and bearing sleeve out of lock cylinder housing bearing pocket.
Fig. 15 Steering column tool:
Installation
1. Slip bearing sleeve over upper bearing.
2. Install upper bearing into lock housing bearing pocket.
3. Install alignment wedge and retaining washer over steering shaft.
4. Fabricate a tool from a piece of tubing as shown in Fig. 15.
5. Install tool on shaft, aligning pin clearance slot with shaft retaining pin hole.
6. Install steering wheel nut. Tighten nut to compress steering shaft preload spring enough to provide adequate clearance to shaft retaining pin hole.
7. Install shaft retaining pin, then remove steering wheel nut and tool.
8. Install steering wheel, multi-function switch, horn pad and shrouds.
9. On models equipped with tilt column, install tilt release lever.
10. On all models, install ignition lock cylinder, steering column covers and connect battery ground.