Ranger 4WD V6-3.0L VIN U (1997)
Steering Gear: Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Manual Steering Gear External Leakage
1. With the engine off, wipe the steering gear clean.
2. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times.
WARNING: WHEN USING A JACK TO LIFT THE VEHICLE, ALWAYS SUPPORT THE VEHICLE PROPERLY USING
JACKSTANDS.
NOTE: To ease the turning effort of the steering wheel, lift the front of the vehicle just enough to raise the front tires off the ground.
3. Check the sector shaft seal and steering gear input shaft seal for leakage. Also check the sector cover area, the steering gear worm thrust bearing
adjuster and the steering gear housing of the steering gear for signs of steering gear grease leakage.
4. If leakage is observed, replace the seals.
5. If leakage is observed at the steering gear housing end cover, tighten the bolts to specification. If leakage still occurs at the steering gear housing
end cover, replace the steering gear housing end cover.
6. If leakage occurs at the steering gear worm thrust bearing adjuster, check the plug for cracks.
7. If the steering gear housing leaks, it must be replaced.
Power Steering Gear
1. With the vehicle engine off, wipe the complete power system dry (steering gear, power steering pump, hoses and connections).
2. Check oil level in pump power steering fluid reservoir and adjust.
3. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times. Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops as damage to the
