Ford Mustang Service Manual: Component Tests

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.

    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 ...

    System Flushing - CII Power Steering Pump
    Steering System (Description and Operation) The steering system has a typical rack-and-pinion design consisting of the following: Steering System Components - 3.8L Engine (CII Power Steering Pump) ...

    Other materials:

    Sync applications and services (if equipped)
    Note: In order for the following features to work, your cellular phone must be compatible with SYNC. To check your phone’s compatibility, visit www.SYNCMyRide.com, www.SYNCMyRide.ca or www.syncmaroute.ca. • SYNC Services (if equipped, United States only): ...

    AM/FM/CD/Sirius satellite radio
    WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, crash and injury. We strongly recommend that you use extreme caution when using any device that may take your focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation ...

    Removal
    Removal CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes nec ...