How to Replace Steering Gear on E 150 Half-Ton Van (1997) - Repair Guide
17. Rotate the (A) piston while holding the (B) steering gear ball return guide and install the 28 ball bearings into the (C) opening in the ball guide.
WARNING: THE CORRECT NUMBER OF BALLS IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER GEAR OPERATION. COUNT THE BALLS AND
INSERT EACH CAREFULLY. TO MAKE SURE THE BALLS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED, ROTATE THE STEERING GEAR
INPUT WORM GEAR AND RACK FROM ONE END OF TRAVEL TO THE OTHER WITHOUT ALLOWING THE POPPET
ADJUSTER TO CONTACT THE VALVE HOUSING OR MOVING THE VALVE HOUSING PILOT FACE MORE THAN 69.1 MM
(2-3/4 INCHES) FROM THE INPUT END OF THE RACK PISTON. IF THE STEERING GEAR INPUT WORM GEAR AND RACK
CANNOT BE ROTATED, REINSTALL THE BALLS. IF A STEERING GEAR IS INSTALLED WITH A STEERING GEAR INPUT
WORM GEAR AND RACK THAT CANNOT ROTATE, THE STEERING GEAR WILL NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY AND
STEERING AND GEAR FAILURE CAN RESULT.
18. Install the ball guide clamp.
(1) Position the ball guide clamp.
(2) Install the two ball guide clamp bolts.
19. Lubricate and install the (A) piston seal on the piston, then install a new (B) gasket on the valve housing.
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Use Multi-Purpose Grease DOAZ-19584-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESB-MlC93-A.
