Aviator AWD V8-4.6L DOHC VIN H (2003)
Power Steering Fluid: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering - Squeaking Noises When Turning Steering Wheel
TSB 06-5-16
03/20/06
STEERING GEAR SQUEAK WHEN TURNING THE
STEERING WHEEL DURING LOW SPEED PARKING
MANEUVERS
FORD:
2003-2005 Thunderbird
LINCOLN:
2003-2005 Lincoln LS, Aviator
This article supersedes TSB 4-10-1 to update the vehicle model years.
ISSUE
Some 2003-2005 Thunderbird, Aviator, and Lincoln LS vehicles may exhibit steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel, especially during low
speed parking maneuvers. The noise may sound like it is coming from the steering column area and may be felt as a roughness in the steering wheel,
while turning.
ACTION
Refer to the following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
USE ONLY THE FLUID AND ADDITIVE SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE. USING ANY OTHER FLUIDS OR ADDITIVES MAY RESULT IN
SEAL DETERIORATION AND LEAKS.
1.
Open the hood and remove the power steering reservoir cap.
2.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 100-00.
3.
With engine off, drain power steering fluid by disconnecting steering lines and clamp plate from steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Removal
and Installation procedure in Workshop Manual, Section 211-00, follow only the steps required to disconnect the steering lines.
4.
Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to drain fluid completely.
5.
Reconnect steering lines and clamp plate to steering gear. Torque retainer to 15 N.m (11 lb-ft) for Lincoln LS and Thunderbird, torque to 25 N.m
(18 lb-ft) for Aviator.
6.
Lower vehicle.
7.
In a clean container mix 50 ml (10 teaspoons or 1.7 oz.) of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier, Part Number XL-3, with 50 ml of Motorcraft
MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid, Part Number XT-2-QDX.
NOTE
DO NOT PERFORM STEPS 8 AND 9 ON A HOT VEHICLE.
8.
Pour the above mixture into the power steering reservoir.
9.
Top off (fill) the power steering system with Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid, Part Number XT-2-QDX
and reinstall the power steering reservoir cap.
10.
Raise vehicle on hoist enough so the front wheels are off the ground and can be turned from lock-to-lock.
11.
Start the engine and keep it at idle. Remain inside of the vehicle.
12.
Slowly cycle the steering wheel from lock-to-lock for two (2) minutes.
13.
Quickly and forcefully turn the steering wheel in one direction to full lock (either side). Bounce the steering wheel on/off of full lock twenty (20)
times forcefully.
