Steering - Higher Than Normal Steering Efforts
90ford06
Article No. 90-6-4
STEERING - HIGHER - THAN - NORMAL STEERING EFFORT - DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE - GT MODELS
FORD: 1989 PROBE
ISSUE: Higher than normal steering efforts may sometimes be experienced under the following conditions.
^ During low ambient temperatures
^ After a rapid deceleration, such as exiting from a highway
^ Unequal steering assistance while making left or right turns.
ACTION: Use the following service procedure to identify and correct higher than normal steering efforts.
NOTE: DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS FOR IDENTIFYING THESE INCREASED STEERING EFFORTS ARE AVAILABLE. BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY ADJUSTMENTS OR REPAIRS, REFER TO THE 1989 PROBE SHOP MANUAL, SECTION 13-46.
1. Refer to the 1989 Probe Shop Manual, Section 13-46 for the steering system diagnosis and testing procedures. If a pass code is received during the testing, proceed to Step 2.
2. Increased steering efforts during low ambient temperatures can be the the result of high viscosity power steering fluid. The reaction chambers, solenoid and orifice cannot supply sufficient fluid volume for normal power assist.
If the steering system has this condition, replace the steering gear assembly. The new gear assembly (E92Z-3504-E) contains revised internal components. Refer to the 1989 Probe Shop Manual, Section 13-46 for service details.
3. Increased steering efforts after rapid deceleration from highway speeds of 55-65 mph and then turning can be caused by slow reaction of the electronic controller to switch from low assist to high assist.
If this condition occurs, replace the electronic controller (FO2Z-3F721-A). Refer to the 1989 Probe Shop Manual, Page 13-01-3 for location.
4. Unequal steering assistance in either direction can be caused by:
^ Binding in the steering column.
^ Improper alignment of the steering gear.
Figure 1:
To correct a binding condition, proceed as follows:
a. Loosen the intermediate shaft bolts, Figure 1 - Items 1, 2 & 3.
b. Release the tilt lock on the steering column. Move the steering column all the way up and then move it all the way down.
c. Lock the tilt steering column in the full up position. Tighten the bolts in sequence 1, 2 then 3 to 20 lb.ft. (27 N-m).
Road test the vehicle. If the condition is not corrected, align the steering gear as follows:
d. Loosen bolts 3, 4 and 5, Figure 1.
e. Start the engine, move the steering wheel 180~ in both directions 3 to 4 times.
f. Center the steering wheel. Tighten bolt # 3 to 20 lb.ft. (27 N-m). Then, tighten bolts # 4 & # 5 to 27-40 lb.ft. (37-54 N-m).
Road test the vehicle. If the binding or unequal effort is still experienced, inspect all front suspension components for damage and correct positioning.
The cause could also be internal binding of the steering gear. Refer to the 1989 Probe Shop Manual, Section 13-46 for service details.
Figure 2:
5. Increased steering efforts all the time in both directions can be can be reduced approximately 10% by moving the controller slide switch to the "L" position, Figure 2.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E92Z-3504-E Steering Gear B
FO2Z-3F721-A Electronic Controller C
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
900604A Steering Diagnosis 0.5 Hr.
900604B Steering Gear Replace 2.0 Hrs.
900604C Electronic Controller 0.5 Hr.
Replace
900604D Steering Column Align 0.3 Hr.
900604E Road Test 0.3 Hr.
900604F Steering Gear Align 0.3 Hr.
900604G Road Test 0.3 Hr.
900604H Adjust Electronic Contoller 0.3 Hr.
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
3504 42
OASIS CODES: 3100