Technical Instructions

1. Inspect the engine compartment date code and determine the vehicle build date (stamped on left front shock tower).

If the vehicle production date is before or after the suspect build dates, the vehicle may be released. If the production date is within the period of suspect build dates, proceed to Step 2.

2. Place the front road wheels in the straight ahead position.

ATTACHMENT I SAFETY RECALL 86S18:

3. Remove the two nuts and retainer assembly attaching intermediate shaft assembly to steering column (Attachment I).
4. Remove three nuts attaching primary boot to dash panel and remove the boot.

5. Remove the bolt retaining the intermediate shaft assembly to the steering gear input shaft.
6. Remove the intermediate shaft.

ATTACHMENT II SAFETY RECALL 86S18:

7. Visually inspect the shaft in the area between the rubber flange and the metal flange for a shoulder protruding above the metal flange (Attachment II). If a shoulder or excess material protrudes above the flange, the intermediate shaft assembly is properly assembled and may be reinstalled. If no shoulder or excess material is evident, the shaft assembly must be replaced. If you have any question regarding whether the assembly should be replaced, call your supervising Ford location.
8. Attach the intermediate shaft to the steering gear input shaft. Tighten the bolt to 41-57 N-m (30-42 ft.lbs.).

9. Install the primary boot over the intermediate shaft and down onto the three studs in the dash panel.

10. Install the three boot attaching nuts. Tighten to 4-7 N-m (41-61 in.lbs.).

ATTACHMENT III - SAFETYRECALL 86S18:

11. Connect the intermediate shaft to steering column with the retainer assembly and two nuts. Apply grease (ESA-M1C75-B) liberally to the inside of the V-groove of the mating steering column yoke. Ensure the "vee-angle" of the intermediate shaft fits correctly into the "vee-angle" of the mating steering column yoke (Attachment III).

CAUTION: If the "vee-angle" on the intermediate shaft is mis-aligned to the column yoke, and the retainer is tightened to specification, the retainer plate will be bent, and then, MUST be replaced.

After correctly installing the steering column to intermediate shaft, tighten nuts to 21-33 N-m (15-25 ft.lbs.).

NOTE: If the intermediate shaft assembly requires replacement, you must return the removed shaft assembly air freight prepaid to:

Ford Motor Company Indianapolis Plant 6900 English Ave. Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
Attention: R. C. Weinert

Be sure to include your dealer name, address, parts and accessory code and the vehicle identification number on all return shipments. The cost of shipment may be claimed via the Form 1864. Be sure to provide copies of supporting documents.