Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Inspection and Verification

CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel (3600) at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump (3A674) will result.

NOTE: Make the following preliminary checks before repairing the steering system:

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the steering system.

2. Inspect Tires

  • Check the tire pressure. Refer to the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.
  • Verify that all tires are sized to specification.
  • Check the tires for damage or uneven wear.

3. Belt and Tensioner Check

4. Fluid Level Check

  • Verify that the power steering fluid level is within the appropriate indicated range, hot forthe 3.8L engine and cold for the 4.6L engine. Add Motorcraft MERCON Multi-PurposeATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON equivalent.

5. Air Bleeding

  • Verify that there is no air in the power steering system. Run the engine (6007) until itreaches normal operating temperature. Turn the steering wheel to the left and rightseveral times without hitting the stops. If any air bubbles are present, refer to Purging-CII Power Steering Pump or Purging-CIII Power Steering Pump in this section.

External Leak Check - Typical Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear

External Leak Check - Typical Power Rack-and-Pinion Steering Gear

6. External Leak Check

  • With the ignition switch at OFF, wipe off the power steering pump, power steering hoses, power steering fluid cooler (3D746) and steering gear (3504).
  • With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times. Do not hold steering wheel at stops. Check for leaks. Repair as necessary if leaks are observed.

7. Turning Effort Check

  • Refer to Turning Effort Test under Component Tests in this section.

8. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage; refer to the following chart.

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical

  • Loose tie-rod ends

  • Loose suspension components

  • Loose steering column shaft universal joints

  • Loose column intermediate shaft bolts

  • Steering gear

  • Binding or misaligned steering column

  • Power steering pump

  • Bent or pinched power steering hoses

9. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported malfunction is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

10. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and proceed to the following symptom chart.

    Steering System (Diagnosis and Testing)
    Special Tool(s) Dial Thermometer 0-220F 023-R0007 or Equivalent Hand Held Automotive Meter 105-R0053 or Equivalent Power Steering Analyzer 211-F001 (014-00207) or Equ ...

    Steering System Symptom Definitions
    Drift/Pull Pull is a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight. Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does wit ...

    Other materials:

    Sprockets
    1. WARNING: To avoid the possibility of personal injury or damage to the vehicle, do not operate the engine with the hood open until the fan blade has been examined for possible cracks and separation. NOTE: Specifications show the expected minimum or ma ...

    Fuel Charging Wiring Harness
    Removal and Installation WARNING: Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel related components. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may ignite. Failure to follow these instructions may resul ...

    Assembly
    1. CAUTION: Before beginning assembly, carry out and inspect the following: When building up subassemblies and assembling the transmission, ALWAYS use new gaskets and seals. All fasteners must be tightened to the torque specification indicated. In addition ...