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:

    Axle Shaft
    Rear Drive Axle and Differential   The axle housing assembly consists of a cast center section with two steel tube assemblies and a stamped differential housing cover (4033). The differential housing cover uses silicone sealant as a gasket. ...

    Sensing system
    WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the limitations of the system as contained in this section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at parking speeds. ...

    Steering System (Diagnosis and Testing)
    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)   Steering System Components - 4.6L Engine (CIII Pow ...