Steering Wheel - Clicking Noise Heard When Turning
Article No.96-23-1
11/04/96
^ STEERING - "CLICKING" NOISE HEARD WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL
^ NOISE - "CLICKING" SOUND HEARD WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL
FORD:
1990-91 CROWN VICTORIA, TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1990-91 GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VII, SABLE, TOWN CAR
1991 CONTINENTAL
LIGHT TRUCK:
1992-96 AEROSTAR, BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F-150-350 SERIES
1995-96 EXPLORER, RANGER, WINDSTAR
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to revise the procedure and parts needed.
ISSUE:
A "clicking" noise may be heard when turning the steering wheel. This condition may be caused by minor surface variations in the original stamped non-silver plated upper column bearings.
ACTION:
Install an Upper Steering Column Bearing Kit if noise occurs during Diagnosis procedure. Refer to the following Service Procedure for installation details.
NOTE:
THE CLICKING NOISE DOES NOT AFFECT STEERING OPERATION.
DIAGNOSIS
Before replacing the bearings, the following checks should be made:
1. Hold the steering wheel in the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and rock the wheel (without rotating it) about its center, checking for the clicking noise.
2. Repeat while holding the wheel in the 12 and 6 o'clock positions.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
If the noise does not occur with the above checks, the noise is due to another component such as the clockspring and this TSB article does not apply. If the noise does occur, install the Upper Steering Column Bearing Kit (F6AZ-3605-AA) which includes silver plated upper steering column bearings. Refer to Instruction Sheet 7162 provided in the Upper Steering Column Bearing Kit for replacement procedure.
The Upper Steering Column Bearing Kit (F6AZ-3605-AA) contains one (1) each of the following items:
^ Steel Tolerance Ring
^ Steel Sleeve (Stamped)
^ Bearing Pre-Load Spring
^ Upper Bearing Snap Ring
^ Steering Wheel Attaching Bolt
^ Small Upper Bearing (Silver Plated)
^ Large Upper Bearing (Silver Plated)
^ Instruction Sheet (I.S. 7162)
PART NUMBER PART NAME
F6AZ-3605-AA Upper Steering Column Bearing kit
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 89-25-3, 90-25-8, 91-3-1
SUPERSEDES: 92-12-3 920603
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage For 1991 Lincolns And 1992-96 Vehicles, Basic Warranty Coverage For All Other Vehicle Lines
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
962301A Install Steering Column 1.9 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1990-91
Crown Victoria/Grand
Marquis
962301B Install Steering Column 1.4 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1990-91
Taurus (Manual Transmission)
962301C Install Steering Column 1.6 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1990-91
Taurus/Sable (Automatic
Transmission)
962301D Install Steering Column 1.7 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1990-91
Mark VII
962301E Install Steering Column 1.8 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1990-91
Town Car
962301F Install Steering Column 1.6 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1991
Continental
962301G Install Steering Column 1.8 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1995-96
Windstar
(Without Tilt
Wheel)
962301H Install Steering Column 1.9 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1995-96
Windstar (With Tilt Wheel)
962301J Install Steering Column 1.8 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1995-96
Ranger/Explorer (With Tilt
Wheel)
962301K Install Steering Column 1.7 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1995-96
Ranger/Explorer (Without
Tilt Wheel)
962301L Install Steering Column 2.0 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1992-96
Econoline (With SRS And
Tilt Wheel)
962301M Install Steering Column 1.9 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1992-96
Econoline (With SRS And
Without Tilt Wheel)
962301N Install Steering Column 1.8 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1992-96
Econoline (Without SRS
And With Tilt Wheel)
9623010 Install Steering Column 1.7 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1992-96
Econoline (Without SRS Or
Tilt Wheel)
962301P Install Steering Column 1.8 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1992-96
F-150-350/Bronco (With
SRS And Tilt Wheel)
962301Q Install Steering Column 1.7 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1992-96
F-150-350/Bronco (With
SRS And Without Tilt Wheel)
962301R Install Steering Column 1.7 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1994-96
F-150-350/Bronco (Without
SRS And With Tilt Wheel)
962301S Install Steering Column 1.6 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1994-96
F-150-350/Bronco (Without
SRS Or Tilt Wheel)
962301T Install Steering Column 1.7 Hrs.
Bearing Kit - 1992-96
Aerostar
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3517 56
OASIS CODES: 303000, 702000, 702300