Ford Mustang Service Manual: Steering System Symptom Definitions

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

6. External Leak Check


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.

    Inspection and Verification
    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 followin ...

    Symptom Chart
    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 followin ...

    Other materials:

    Valve Cover RH
    Engine WARNING: Do not operate the engine with the hood open until the fan blade has been first examined for possible cracks and separation. The 4.6L (4V) (281 CID) is a V-8 engine with the following features: dual overhead camshafts four valves per cyl ...

    Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) (Diagnosis and Testing)
    Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) (Diagnosis and Testing) Refer to Wiring Diagrams Cell 97 , Daytime Running Lamps for schematic and connector information. Special Tool(s) 73III Automotive Meter or equivalent 105-R0057 Principles of Operation ...

    Installation
    Removal 1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301). 2. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube (9B659). 3. Remove the radiator sight shield (8C291). 4. Remove the coolant recovery reservoir (8A080). 1. Disconnect the hose. 2. Remove the bolts. ...