Contour V6-153 2.5L DOHC (1996)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Removal and Installation
Removal
1. Using mechanics wire, secure radiator and fan shroud assembly to upper radiator support.
2. Remove water pump pulley shield bolts and shield.
3. Support engine with Three Bar Engine Support 014-00750 or equivalent.
4. CAUTION: Since struts will be moved to remove halfshafts, struts must be loosened to prevent damage to the strut piston rod.
Loosen left and right front strut upper mounting nuts, five turns counterclockwise.
5. Raise vehicle on hoist.
6. Remove both front wheel assemblies.
7. Remove nine radiator air deflector screws and deflector.
8. Remove four bolts retaining left and right lower radiator support brackets to front of subframe and turn brackets forward.
9. Remove two screws retaining bumper cover braces to left and right sides of subframe. Rotate bumper cover braces forward.
10. Remove two bolts retaining A/C accumulator to the subframe.
11. Remove four nuts retaining exhaust crossover pipe flanges to exhaust manifolds and three nuts retaining flex tube to converter inlet.
12. Disconnect two Heated Oxygen Sensor (H02S) connectors, locator from front of subframe, and locator at bottom of transaxle. Disconnect exhaust
hanger from converter. Remove nut retaining the crossover pipe bracket to right side of oil pan. Remove crossover pipe and gasket. Discard
gasket.
13. Drain power steering system.
14. Remove nut retaining steering cooler lines to right front of subframe. Remove two bolts retaining cooler lines to rear of subframe.
15. CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel while performing this step, the clock spring could become damaged.
Remove steering gear pinch bolt.
16. Remove left and right pinch bolts and nuts from steering knuckles at lower arms.
17. Using Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D or equivalent, disconnect left and right tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
18. Remove left and right front stabilizer bar link nuts from front strut assemblies. Disconnect both front stabilizer bar links from front strut
assemblies. If equipped, disconnect the ABS wiring harness retainer from stabilizer bar link stud.
19. Remove through bolts retaining left and right front engine support insulators to subframe.
20. Position Powertrain Lift 014-00765 or equivalent, with wood blocks approximately 1016 mm (40 inches) long, secured to lift under subframe.
21. WARNING: MAKE SURE POWERTRAIN LIFT IS IN CORRECT POSITION BEFORE REMOVING ANY SUBFRAME BOLTS.
Remove four subframe-to-body bolts.
22. Allow subframe to lower slightly. Disconnect steering pressure and return hoses from steering gear. Remove the nut retaining steering cooler lines
to right front of subframe and two bolts retaining cooler lines to rear of subframe. Carefully pry the lower control arms from steering knuckles and
steering gear coupler from steering gear. Lower and remove subframe.
23. NOTE: Mark location of insulator prior to removing insulator from subframe for reference during installation.
Remove two rear insulator bolts and insulator.