Steering - Squeaking Noise On Low Speed Turns
TSB 06-23-312/06/06
SQUEAK - STEERING COLUMN / RACK
FORD:
2005-2007 Five Hundred, Freestyle
2001-2007 Escape
MERCURY:
2005-2007 Montego, Mariner
This article supersedes TSB 04-22-10 to update the vehicle model years.
ISSUE
Some 2001-2007 Escape and 2005-2007 Freestyle, Five Hundred, Montego, and Mariner vehicles may exhibit a steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel. This noise can occur under multiple conditions, but most commonly occurs during low speed parking maneuvers. The squeak can also be heard while turning the wheel when the engine is not running. The noise may sound like it is coming from the steering column boot area near the driver's feet, and then emanate up the steering shaft to the top of the steering column. Do not confuse this high-pitched squeak with a steering moan or whine noise, or noise at full lock turn
ACTION
Lubricate the steering column boot, then flush out the factory filled power steering fluid and replace with Motorcraft(R) MERCON(R) V Automatic Transmission Fluid. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
USE ONLY MERCON(R) V FLUID AS SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE. USING ANY OTHER FLUIDS AND/OR ADDITIVES MAY RESULT IN SEAL DETERIORATION AND LEAKS. MERCON(R) (XL-9, XT-2-QDX OR F7AZ-3F823-BA) WILL NOT RESOLVE NOISE CONCERN.
NOTE
TYPE-F FLUID (XL-8, XT-1-QF or F7AZ-3F823-AA) IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THIS SYSTEM AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED IN THIS APPLICATION.
1. From inside the vehicle, use Motorcraft(R) Silicone Spray Lubricant to lightly lubricate the steering column where it passes through the steering column boot.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist enough so the front wheels are off the ground allowing the steering wheel to be turned from lock to lock.
3. Flush out the factory fill power steering fluid and replace with Motorcraft(R) MERCON(R) V Automatic Transmission Fluid. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing procedure in the Workshop Manual, Section 211-00.
NOTE
A MINIMUM OF TWO (2) QUARTS MUST BE USED TO THOROUGHLY FLUSH THE SYSTEM.
THE STEERING WHEEL MUST BE TURNED FROM LOCK TO LOCK WHILE PERFORMING THE FLUSH TO ENSURE THE MERCON(R) IS REPLACED WITHIN THE STEERING GEAR/RACK.
4. Following the flush procedure, ensure the level of the MERCON(R) V fluid in the steering reservoir is at the "MAX" line.
5. Start the engine and keep it at idle. Remain inside of the vehicle.
6. Slowly cycle the steering wheel from lock to lock for two (2) minutes.
7. Quickly and forcefully turn the steering wheel in one direction to full lock (either side). Bounce the steering wheel on / off of full lock twenty (20) times forcefully.
NOTE
IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED QUICKLY AND FORCEFULLY IN ORDER TO CREATE A PRESSURE SPIKE IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM.
8. Repeat Step 6 in the other direction. Return the steering wheel to center position.
9. Slowly turn steering wheel to full lock in one direction (either direction) to achieve maximum pump pressure. Hold at full lock for one (1) second, then turn the steering wheel back 90~ as quickly as possible. Repeat this procedure twenty (20) times.
NOTE
DO NOT HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AGAINST THE STOPS FOR MORE THAN THREE (3) SECONDS AT A TIME. DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY OCCUR.
10. Repeat Step 9 in the other direction.
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
062303A 2001-2007 Escape, 0.8 Hr.
2005-2007 Mariner: Flush
And Replace The Power
Steering Fluid, And
Lubricate Steering Column
Boot
062303A 2005-2007 Freestyle, Five 0.8 Hr.
Hundred, Montego: Flush
And Replace The Power
Steering Fluid, And
Lubricate Steering Column
Boot
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3504 38
Disclaimer