
Back To Article
ST EERING COLUMN
1991 ST EERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering Colum ns
DESCRIPTION
The steering column assembly consists of a steering shaft, steering shaft tube, upper and lower bearings, mounting brackets, ignition lock and
combination switch assembly.
Fig. 1: Exploded View of External Steering Column Assembly (Typical)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD
Removal & Installation (Capri)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable and air bag back-up power supply. Back-up power supply is a Blue rectangular unit located behind
glove box, attached to instrument panel. Remove 4 mount nuts from back of steering wheel and remove air bag module.
2. Disconnect air bag module connector. Loosen steering wheel nut 4-6 turns. Using Steering Wheel Remover (T67L-3600-A), remove
steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
Remove 2 screws from back of steering wheel. Disconnect horn wire and remove cover. Remove steering wheel retaining nut. Mark steering
wheel and steering shaft. Using Steering Wheel Remover (T67L-3600-A), remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure.
COMBINATION SW ITCH NOTE:Steering colum n is not repairable and m ust be replaced as a unit.
WARNING:On m odels with Supplem ental Restraint System (SRS), observe the following precautions. Before any
repairs are perform ed, disconnect and shield battery ground cable and air bag back-up power supply.
Back-up power supply is a Blue rectangular unit located behind glove box, attached to instrum ent
panel.
CAUT ION: DO NOT use a knock-off type steering wheel puller or strike steering wheel or shaft with a
ham m er. Sudden im pact could dam age a bearing or begin to collapse steering colum n.
Page 1 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering Columns
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Removal & Installation (Capri)
Disconnect negative battery cable. With steering wheel removed, remove screws from lower column cover and remove lower cover. Remove
steering column upper retaining bolts. Steering column will rest on instrument panel bracket. Release wiring harness clip and unplug
connectors. Remove 2 switch retaining screws and remove switch from steering column. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
Disconnect negative battery cable. With steering wheel removed, remove screws from lower column cover and remove both upper and lower
cover. Release wiring harness clip and unplug connectors. Loosen band clamp securing switch hub to steering column jacket. Remove swit c h
from steering column. To install, reverse removal procedure.
IGNITION SWITCH & LOCK
Removal & Installation (Capri Ignition Switch)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. With steering wheel removed, remove upper and lower column covers. Remove center access panel
and trim panel under steering wheel. Remove left side defroster connector tube.
2. Remove steering column upper attaching bolts. Lower steering column onto instrument panel brace. Remove ignition tumbler. With
ignition key inserted, rotate tumbler while pushing release pin with .125" (3.17 mm) drift. Pull tumbler out of ignition lock housing.
3. Remove column lock shield. Disconnect switch harness connector. Remove single retaining screw. Remove ignition switch. See Fig. 2
.
Reverse removal procedures to complete installation.
Removal & Installation (Festiva Ignition Switch)
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. With steering wheel removed, remove screws from lower column cover and remove both upper and
lower covers. Remove steering column shield and shield bracket. Remove air discharge tube.
2. Remove steering column attaching nuts and lower the steering column support bracket. Remove single retaining screw from top side of
ignition switch. Remove ignition switch wiring harness and ignition switch. See Fig. 2
.
Fig. 2: Ignition Switch & Lock Mechanism
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Removal & Installation (Festiva Ignition Lock)
1. Remove combination switch, see COMBINATION SW ITCH earlier. Remove ignition switch. Remove shift lock cable attaching bolt
Page 2 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering Columns
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

and disconnect cable from lock housing. Using slim-nose locking pliers, grip and remove round headed shear screws securing column
lock housing and cap to column jacket. See Fig. 2
.
2. Remove lock housing. To install lock housing, position lock cylinder and cap on column jacket. Using new screws, tighten only enough
to hold lock housing in position. Use ignition key to ensure lock works correctly without binding. Adjust switch if necessary. Tighten
shear screws until heads break off. Install ignition switch in cylinder. Reverse removal procedures to complete installation.
STEERING COLUMN
Removal & Installation (Capri)
1. Place wheels in a straight-ahead position. Remove ignition key and lock steering wheel. Disconnect negative battery cable and air bag
back-up power supply. Back-up power supply is a Blue rectangular unit located behind glove box, attached to instrument panel.
2. Remove air bag module from steering wheel. Remove steering column access cover and trim panel. Remove defroster duct connecting
hose. Remove steering column lower shroud. Loosen lower steering c o l u mn r e t a in in g n u t s. R e mo ve st e e r in g c o l u mn u p p e r r e t a in in g
nuts.
3. Remove ignition lock shield and ignition switch mount screw. Disconnect all necessary electrical connectors. Mark and remove steering
shaft universal joint bolt. Remove steering column from instrument panel. To install, reverse removal procedure. Once steering column
is completely installed, check all switches and functions for proper operation.
Removal (Festiva)
1. Disconnect battery ground cable. Place wheels in a straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel, upper and lower column covers,
combination switch, ignition switch and harness connectors.
2. Remove steering column shield and air duct from below steering column. Remove 2 steering column upper mounting bracket-to-
instrument panel crossmember nuts.
3. Lower upper end of column as necessary to gain access to intermediate shaft upper "U" joint. Mark steering shaft and upper "U" jo in t fo r
reassembly reference.
4. Remove "U" joint attaching bolt. Loosen 2 steering column hinge bracket-to-clutch/brake pedal support nuts. Remove steering column
with upper "U" joint by pulling toward passenger compartment.
Installation (Festiva)
1. Align marks made during removal and install column with intermediate shaft upper "U" joint over intermediate shaft. Install, but do not
tighten, "U" joint clamp bolt.
2. Install and tighten hinge bracket nuts. Install shim clips on column upper bracket flanges (if removed). Position upper end of steering
column to instrument panel mounting studs.
3. Install upper bracket retaining nuts. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to align "U" joint splines. Tighten "U" joint clamp
bolt.
4. Install air duct and instrument panel brace. Install harness connectors, ignition switch, combination switch, upper and lower column
covers and steering wheel.
OVERHAUL
STEERING COLUMN
Disassembly & Reassembly (Capri)
1. Remove steering column. See STEERING COLUMN under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Position steering column in soft-jawed
vise. Using Steering Wheel Remover (T67L-3600-A), remove steering wheel. Put 2 strips of tape on air bag clockspring, to avoid
rotation.
2. Remove 3 clockspring retaining screws and remove clockspring. With ignition key installed, rotate tumbler to Run position while
pushing tumbler release pin with .125" (3.17 mm) drift. Remove tumbler and upper column shroud. Remove key warning switch.
3. Remove bearing plate. Remove and discard snap ring located at front end of steering column. Remove multifunction switch. Remove
column lock and upper bearing using a suitable bearing puller. To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure.
Disassembly (Festiva)
Disassembly of steering column assembly is not recommended by manufacturer. If any components are found defective, replace steering
column assembly.
Inspection (Festiva)
1. Measure steering shaft for signs of collapse. Steering shaft length should be between 23.86-23.94" (606-608 mm). If measurement is not
within specification, replace steering column assembly.
2. Check for steering shaft side play. Any detectable side play can adversely affect steering control. If side play in excess of .03" (.75 mm)
is present, bearings are badly worn. Replace steering column assembly.
Reassembly (Festiva)
NOTE:If steering rack and interm ediate shaft are also rem oved, "U" joints and interm ediate shaft m ust be
m arked for reassem bly reference. Both ends of shaft are identical.
CAUT ION: If steering shaft shear pins break during housing or bearing rem oval, the com plete shaft and colum n
m ust be replaced. T o determ ine if pins have sheared, m easure steering shaft from top end of shaft to
center of U-
joint bearing. If length is less than 24.23" (615.7 m m ) or greater than 24.66" (617.7 m m ), pins
have sheared.
Page 3 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering Columns
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Ignition Lock Housing Bolt12-21 (16-28)
Steering Column Attaching Bolt17-23 (23-31)
Steering Column Attaching Nut14-18 (19-25)
Steering Column Bracket Nut & Bolt14-18 (19-25)
Steering Wheel Nut23-33 (31-45)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Air Bag Module35-53 (4-6)
Ignition Switch Screw53-71 (6-8)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Steering Column Attaching Bolt23-34 (31-46)
Steering Wheel Nut29-36 (39-49)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Ignition Switch Screw53-71 (6-8)
Shift Lock Cable Bolt35-53 (4-6)
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00054857
Page 4 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING COLUMN 1991 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering Columns
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

WHEEL BEARINGS
Wheel bearing preload is maintained by a selective spacer in the steering knuckle, between the inner and outer hub bearings. For adjustment
procedures and inspection, see WHEEL BEARING under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Raise and support vehicle until tire is just off ground. Move wheel vertically and check for play. If play is noticed between steering knuckle
and control arm, control arm assembly should be replaced. If play is present but ball joint is okay, wheel bearings should be checked for wear
and replaced if necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
1. Remove stabilizer mounting bracket nuts and brackets. Remove split bushings from stabilizer bar. Remove stabilizer bushing nuts at
lower control arms. Remove rear dished washers and bushings.
2. To loosen stabilizer bar, pull forward from control arms. Remove front bushings and washers. Install control arm bushing washers on
ends of stabilizer and install control arm front bushings. Insert ends of stabilizer bar into control arm bushings and install rear bushings
and washers on stabilizer bar ends.
3. Install retaining nuts finger tight. Install split bushings on stabilizer cross bar with split side forward. Position split bushings next to
White locating marks on bar. Install stabilizer mounting brackets. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification.
STRUT ASSEMBLY & COIL SPRING
Removal
1. Raise and support front of vehicle so struts are fully extended. Remove front wheels. Remove brake line clip from strut lower mounting
bracket and remove brake line.
2. Remove 2 bolts retaining strut lower bracket to steering knuckle. Working inside engine compartment, remove 2 nuts retaining strut
mounting block in strut tower. Disengage strut lower bracket from steering knuckle and lower strut from vehicle.
Disassembly & Reassembly
1. Using spring compressor, compress spring to unload strut. Pry out mounting block cap and remove strut upper nut and lock washer.
2. Remove strut mounting block and spacer plate. Remove washer, bearing seal and bearing from strut rod. Remove spring upper seat, seat
insulator and coil spring. Remove jounce bumper and dust shield from strut. Reverse disassembly procedure to install coil spring a n d
reassemble strut.
Installation
1. Position strut, with spacer plate installed, in strut tower with White alignment mark facing outward. Install and tighten nuts on upper
mounting block studs.
2. Install steering knuckle in strut lower bracket. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts and nuts to
specification.
HUB & KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Straighten staked edge of drive axle lock nut flange. DO NOT damage groove or threads in
end of drive axle. Apply brakes to prevent hub assembly from turning. Remove and discard drive axle lock nut.
2. Remove clip which secures brake hose to strut bracket. Remove cotter pin and tie rod end attaching nut. Using Tie Rod End Separator
(T85M-3395A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle.
3. Remove brake caliper attaching bolts and remove assembly from steering knuckle. Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose. Remove
clamp bolt and nut where lower control arm ball joint connects to steering knuckle.
4. Using a pry bar, pull down on lower control arm and release ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove 2 bolts which attach steering
knuckle between flanges of MacPherson strut bracket. Slide hub/knuckle assembly off end of drive axle. If binding is present or drive
hub is rusted to half-shaft, use a hub puller to push axle from drive hub.
Installation
1. Apply a thin coat of SAE 30 weight oil to drive axle splines. Slide steering knuckle/rotor/hub assembly onto drive axle. Stop at area
where uppermost arm of steering knuckle seats into MacPherson strut bracket.
2. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW drive axle lock nut. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification. Stake
axle lock nut into shaft groove.
WHEEL BEARING NOTE:Inform ation for stabilizer bar rem oval and installation on Capri is not available from m anufacturer.
NOTE:Always use a new drive axle lock nut when servicing drive hub or drive axle.
CAUT ION: DO NOT use a pointed tool to stake nut. If lock nut flange cracks, even slightly, during staking process,
it m ust be replaced.
Page 2 of 5 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SUSPENSION - FRONT 1991-92 SUSPENSION Front
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 2: Exploded View of Rear Suspension (Capri)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL BEARING
1. Raise and support vehicle. Ensure parking brake is fully released. Remove wheel and dust cap. Rotate brake drum and ensure there is no
brake drag. Using a small cape chisel, raise the staked portion of the lock nut. Remove and discard lock nut.
2. Install new lock nut. To seat bearings, use a torque wrench and tighten lock nut to 18-21 ft. lbs. (25-29 N.m) while rotating brake drum.
After tightening, loosen lock nut until it can be turned by hand. Measure seal drag using an INCH lb. torque wrench on a lug nut at 12
o'clock position. Measure and record amount of force required to rotate brake drum.
3. To determine preload, add amount of seal drag to specified preload of 1.3-4.3 INCH lbs. (.15-.49 N.m). As an example, if seal drag
measures 2.2 INCH Lbs. (.25 N.m), this amount must be added to required preload.
4. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut a small amount. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench on a lug nut at 12 o'clock position, measure amo u n t
of pull required to rotate brake drum. Tighten attaching nut until specified amount of preload is measured with torque wrench. Stake
lock nut with a blunt chisel. Install grease cap and wheel.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WHEEL BEARING
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Ensure parking brake is fully released. Remove wheel and dust cap. Using a small cape chisel, raise staked
portion of lock nut. Remove and discard lock nut. Remove brake drum, bearing and hub assembly from spindle.
2. Pry out grease seal from hub and remove inner bearing. Bearings must be marked for reassembly reference if they are to be reused. Using
Slide Hammer (T50T-100-A), Bearing Cup Puller (T77F-1102-A) or proper sized brass drift and hammer, remove inner and outer
bearing races.
Installation
NOTE:Right side lock nut has left-hand threads. Left side lock nut has right-hand threads.
NOTE:Nut m ust be replaced if lock flange splits or cracks during staking process. DO NOT stake with a sharp
edged tool.
NOTE:Right side lock nut has left-hand threads. Left side lock nut has right-hand threads.
Page 2 of 7 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SUSPENSION - REAR 1991-92 SUSPENSION Rear
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

1. Using Installer (T77F-1217-A), Driver Handle (T80T-4000-W) or proper sized brass drift and hammer, install inner and outer bearing
races. Pack bearings and hub area with Lubricant (C1AZ-1959D-B, C, D or E).
2. Position inner bearing in bearing hub. Lubricate grease seal lips and install seal. Ensure bearings and hub have sufficient lubricant. Place
brake drum bearings and hub assembly on spindle. To prevent damage to grease seal and spindle threads, ensure hub is correctly
centered on spindle.
3. Install outer bearing, washer and new lock nut. Stake lock nut with a blunt chisel. Adjust bearing preload. See ADJUSTMENTS &
INSPECTION.
SPINDLE
Removal & Installation (Capri)
Remove wheel, caliper and brake rotor. Loosen spindle-to-strut attaching bolts. Loosen outer rear control arm common bolt and nut. Remove
spindle-to-strut mount bolts and common control arm bolt. Remove spindle from strut. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
Remove brake drum assembly. Remove 4 spindle attaching nuts located on inboard side of torsion beam. Support backing plate with wire and
remove spindle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten spindle attaching nuts to 32-45 ft. lbs. (43-61 N.m).
STRUTS
Removal & Installation (Capri)
1. Remove wheel, caliper and brake rotor. Remove trailing arm bolt and spindle-to-strut attaching bolts. Put index mark on strut rubber
mounting bracket. Remove upper strut attaching nuts from inside vehicle. Remove strut.
2. Compress strut coil spring with Spring Compressor (T18P-5310-A) or similar. Remove strut nut while spring is compressed. Remove
rubber mounting bracket, upper and lower spring seats. Slowly release coil spring and remove spring compressor. Remove coil spring,
dust boot and rebound bumpers. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal (Festiva)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheels. Using Spring Compressor (T81P-5310-A), compress spring to unload strut. Remove rear
quarter trim panel from cargo compartment.
2. Remove jam nut and flanged nut from strut rod. Remove bushing washer and upper bushing. Remove strut lower end mounting bolt
from wheel support arm. Remove strut and separate it from spring and seat insulator. Remove lower bushing and jounce bumper seat
from strut rod. Slide jounce bumper and shield off strut. See Fig. 3
. NOTE:Nut m ust be replaced if lock flange splits or cracks during staking process. DO NOT stake with a sharp-
edged tool.
Page 3 of 7 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SUSPENSION - REAR 1991-92 SUSPENSION Rear
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 3: Exploded View of Strut Assembly (Typical)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspection
Check jounce bumper, spring seat insulator and strut rod bushings for wear or damage. Ensure strut is not leaking.
Installation
1. Slide jounce bumper and shield onto strut rod and cylinder. Install bumper seat and lower bushing on strut rod. If upper spring seat
insulator has been replaced, install new insulator on spring upper end. Seat end of coil against step in insulator.
2. Place spring on strut. Ensure end of coil seats against step in strut spring seat. Install strut assembly into tower from wheelwell. Guide
strut rod into tower mounting hole.
3. Line up strut lower end with mounting hole in wheel support arm. Install mounting bolt to hold strut in position. Working from in sid e
cargo compartment, install rod upper end bushing, bushing washer and flanged nut. Tighten nut to 12-18 ft. lbs. (16-24 N.m). See Fig.
4 . Hold flanged nut while tightening jam nut to lock it in position.
4. Tighten strut lower mounting bolt to 40-50 ft. lbs. (54-68 N.m). Remove spring compressor. Install wheel and tire assembly.
Page 4 of 7 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SUSPENSION - REAR 1991-92 SUSPENSION Rear
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...