Aerostar AWD V6-183 3.0L (1991)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Removal and Installation
4X2
1.
Center steering system as follows:
a. Rotate steering wheel lock-to-lock and count number of turns of rotation required.
b. Divide the number of turns recorded in previous step by two.
c. Rotate steering wheel to full lock position, then turn wheel the exact turns recorded in step 1b. Ensure that front wheels and steering wheel are
in straight ahead position, then stop engine.
2.
Remove intermediate shaft to steering gear pinch bolt, then disconnect shaft from gear.
3.
On models equipped with power steering, disconnect pressure and return lines from steering gear. Cap lines and ports to prevent dirt entry and
spillage of fluid.
4.
On all models, remove tie rod end to spindle retaining nuts, then separate tie rod ends from spindle using suitable puller.
5.
Support steering gear, then remove steering gear to crossmember retaining nuts, bolts and washers. Remove steering gear from vehicle.
6.
Reverse procedure to install noting the following:
a. Tighten attaching nuts and bolts to specifications.
b. Check and adjust fluid in power steering pump reservoir, if applicable, then check toe setting as required.
4X4
1.
Place steering system to on center position as follows:
a. Start engine.
b. Rotate steering wheel from lock to lock, record number of steering wheel rotations.
c. Divide number of wheel rotations by two, giving number of turns to place system in on center position.
d. From one lock position, rotate wheel numbers of times from step c, then ensure front wheels and steering wheel are in straight ahead position.
e. Stop engine.
2.
Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
3.
Disconnect and plug steering gear valve housing pressure and return lines.
4.
Remove lower intermediate steering column shaft to steering gear pinch bolt, then disconnect shaft from gear.
5.
Remove and discard tie rod end nut cotter pins, remove tie rod end attaching nut, then using pitman arm removal tool No. T64P-3590-F or
equivalent, separate tie rod ends from spindle.
6.
Remove shock absorber to left and right front crossmember bracket attaching nut and washer.
7.
Remove shock absorber lower attaching bolts, then remove shock absorbers.
8.
Remove front stabilizer bar as outlined previously.
9.
Install suitable suspension support stands.
10.
Remove front coil springs as outlined previously.
11.
Remove five attaching nuts from front edge of crossmember lower plate assembly, remove left rear crossmember lower plate assembly attaching
nut, then remove bolts at center and right rear of assembly.
12.
Remove crossmember lower plate.
13.
Support steering gear, then steering gear to crossmember attaching bolts, spacers and bushings.
14.
Remove steering gear, then remove front gear housing insulators as required.
15.
Reverse procedure to install. Tighten attaching nuts and bolts to specifications see Steering and Suspension/Steering/Steering Gear
/Specifications/Mechanical.
