Thunderbird V6-232 3.8L (1982)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Removal and Installation
RACK & PINION
1.
Disconnect battery ground cable, turn ignition ``On'' and raise vehicle.
2.
Remove tie rod end retaining nuts and using ball joint separator, separate tie rod ends from spindle arms.
3.
Remove pinion shaft to flexible coupling bolt and the bolts securing steering gear to crossmember.
4.
Turn front wheels, then remove steering gear from left side of vehicle.
5.
Reverse procedure to install. Torque connecting rod end to spindle arm nut to 41-47 ft. lbs., flex coupling to 20-37 ft. lbs. and torque steering gear
to crossmember bolts to 90-100 ft. lbs.
EXC. RACK & PINION
1.
Remove flex coupling bolts.
2.
Remove pitman arm nut and remove arm from shaft using a puller.
3.
With manual transmission it may be necessary to disconnect the clutch linkage and on V8 models it may be necessary to lower the exhaust system.
4.
Unfasten and remove steering gear.
5.
Reverse procedure to install. Torque steering gear to side rail bolts to 50-60 ft. lbs. and pitman arm to sector shaft nut to 200-225 ft. lbs.
