Ranger 2WD V6-177 2.9L (1989)
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The front wheels should also spin freely
With the wheels in a straight ahead position, start the engine and observe any steering wheel or linkage movement when the engine is started. If any
movement is observed, continue with the rotary valve centering check.
1.
Spin the front tires to make sure the front hubs are unlocked. If the hubs are unlocked, the axle shaft will not rotate with the wheels.
2.
Install a 0-13,790 kPa (0-2000 psi) pressure gauge (Rotunda 014-00207, Power Steering Analyzer) in the pressure line between the power steering
pump outlet port 1 and the integral steering gear inlet port. Make sure the valve on the gauge is fully open.
3.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. Add Premium Power Steering Fluid F7AZ-3F823-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification
ESW-M2C33-F, if necessary.
4.
Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop to bring the steering lubricant to normal operating temperature. Turn off the engine
and recheck the fluid level. Add Premium Power Steering Fluid F7AZ-3F823-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESW-M2C33-F, if
necessary.
5.
With the engine running at approximately 1000 rpm and the steering wheel centered, attach a b-in torque wrench to the steering wheel nut. Apply
sufficient torque in each direction to get a gauge reading of 1723 kPa (250 psi).
6.
The torque wrench readings should be the same in both directions at 1723 kPa (250 psi). If the difference between the readings exceeds 0.68 N.m
(6 lb-in), remove the steering gear and replace the shaft and control assembly.
7.
Remove the pressure gauge installed in Step 2.
Diagnostic Procedure # 5 - RBS Linkage
If the RBS linkage is determined to have wind up or memory steer, replace RBS linkage with greaseable steel linkage.
NOTE:
ALL SERVICE PART STEERING LINKAGE IS THE GREASEABLE STEEL SOCKET TYPE
Diagnostic Procedure # 6 - Brake Imbalance
1.
Spin the front tires to make sure the front hubs are unlocked. If the hubs are unlocked, the axle shaft will not rotate with the wheels.
2.
Check for front wheel rotational drag with warm/hot brakes.
a.
Make a series of 10 stops from speeds of 48 km/h (30 mph).
b.
Make the 10 stops with no more than 30 second intervals between stops. This generally will induce a maximum pull if there is a drift/pull
concern.
c.
Raise the front end of the vehicle so that both tires are off the ground.
d.
Rotate the front wheels by hand.
NOTE:
FOR ALL 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES, MAKE SURE THE HUBS ARE DISENGAGED.
Both tires should rotate about the same amount, with little brake drag occuring. Some brake drag will naturally be present for each size of vehicle.
3.
If the vehicle has excess brake drag, proceed as follows:
a.
Open the bleed screw on the affected wheel to check for residual pressure in the brake lines. If there is a squirt of brake fluid out of the
bleeder screw and the drag is reduced or eliminated, the master cylinder may not be allowing the brake fluid to return to the reservoir.
b.
Check the master cylinder push rod adjustment. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Section 06-06, for service details.
c.
Check the brake pedal to determine if it is fully returning.
4.
Remove both calipers and check piston retraction using a C-clamp and wooden block. The piston should easily move back into the bore under the
force of the clamp. Rebuild or replace as needed.
5.
If Steps 1 through 4 have not determined the concern, swap rotors and linings from side-to-side.
NOTE:
SHOE TAB CLEARANCES SHOULD BE CHECKED AND MODIFIED IF NEEDED. REFER TO FIGURE 2.
