Mountaineer V8-302 5.0L VIN P EFI (1998)
Steering Gear: Customer Interest
Power Steering - Grunting Noise On Slow Speed Turns
Article No.
99-21-1
10/18/99
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STEERING - "GRUNTING" NOISE HEARD FROM
POWER STEERING SYSTEM WHILE TURNING AT
SLOW SPEEDS - VEHICLES WITH 5.0L ENGINE
^
NOISE - "GRUNTING" HEARD FROM POWER
STEERING SYSTEM WHILE TURNING AT SLOW
SPEEDS - VEHICLES WITH 5.0L ENGINE
FORD:
1998 EXPLORER
MERCURY:
1998 MOUNTAINEER
ISSUE
A "grunting" noise may be heard from the power steering system during slow speed turning, or while stationary when turning to the left or coming off the
steering stops. This may be caused by air in the power steering system.
ACTION
Perform diagnosis, purge air from the power steering system and, if necessary, replace the steering gear assembly with a revised Steering Gear Assembly.
Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
DIAGNOSIS
Slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while idling in Park. If a "grunt" type noise is heard, stop turning the steering wheel but keep pressure
on it. A "grunt" will only occur when the steering wheel is moving and will abruptly stop when you stop turning the wheel. If this occurs, the noise is
probably "grunt". Proceed to Repair Steps 1-3.
If the noise continues when the steering wheel is held stationary in a pre-load condition, it is not a "grunt". Perform the following: Check for a
ground-out condition in the lower steering intermediate shaft. If the sliding mechanism sticks instead of sliding freely, it will create the ground-out
condition as well as a steering clunk during braking/accelerating maneuvers. If the vehicle exhibits this condition, replace the Lower Intermediate Shaft
(F87Z-3B676-DB). Refer to the 1998 Explorer/Mountaineer Workshop Manual, Section 211-04.
REPAIR
If a "grunt" noise concern is verified, perform the following Steps:
1.
Perform the power steering system vacuum purge procedure as outlined in the 1998 Explorer/Mountaineer Workshop Manual, Section 211-00.
This will remove air from the fluid which can cause a "grunt" noise.
2.
Check the vehicle again for a "grunt" noise.
3.
If the "grunt" noise is still present, replace the Steering Gear Assembly (F87Z-3504-HBRM). Refer to the Workshop Manual, Pages 211-02-33
through 211-02-44, for removal and installation procedures.
PART NUMBER
PART NAME
FB7Z-3504-HBRM
Steering Gear Assembly
FS7Z-3B676-DB
Lower Intermediate Shaft
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION
DESCRIPTION
TIME
992101A
Diagnose And Replace
0.6 Hr.
Intermediate Shaft (4X2