2003 FORD MUSTANG steering

Poor returnability and sticky steering is used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center
after a turn or the steering correction is completed.
Shimmy
Shimmy, as observed by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel
resulting from large, side-
to-side (lateral) tire/wheel movements.
Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire
contacts pot holes or irregularities in the road surface.
Wander
Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel
corrections to maintain a straight path down a level road.
Symptom Chart
Symptom Chart Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Hard Steering or
Lack of Assist z
Seized lower steering
column shaft U- joints. z
INSTALL a new lower
steering column shaft.
REFER to Section 211 - 04 .
z Damaged, fractured
steering column
bearing(s). z
REPAIR the steering
column. REFER to
Section 211 - 04 .
z Power steering pump. zGO to Pump Flow and
Pressure Test
Component Test in
this section.
z Suspension
components. z
REFER to Section 204 - 00 for suspension
system diagnosis and
testing.
z Steering gear internal
leakage. z
GO to Pump Flow and
Pressure Test
Component Test in
this section.
z Excessive Steering
Pump Noise z
Power steering pump. zGO to Pump Flow and
Pressure Test
Component Test in
this section.
z Excessive Steering
Wheel Play z
Damaged, loose, or
worn tie- rod end
(3A130). z
GO to the Steering
Linkage Component
Test.
z Loose, worn or
damaged front wheel
spindle tie- rod (3280). z
GO to the Tie- Rod
Articulation Torque
Component Test.
z Damaged/worn
steering gear. z
INSTALL a new
steering gear. REFER
to Section 211 - 02 .
z Loose, worn or
damaged steering z
INSTALL new
steering column Klj . 5 ba
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column bearing(s).
bearing(s). REFER to
Section 211 - 04 .
z Loose, worn or
damaged lower
steering column shaft
U-joint(s). z
INSTALL a new lower
steering column shaft.
REFER to Section 211 - 04 .
z Wander zUnevenly loaded or
overloaded vehicle. z
INFORM the
customer of incorrect
vehicle loading.
z Loose, worn or
damaged front wheel
spindle tie- rod. z
GO to the Tie- Rod
Articulation Torque
Component Test.
z Loose, worn or
damaged tie- rod ends. z
GO to the Steering
Linkage Component
Test.
z Loose or damaged
steering gear mounting
bolts. z
INSTALL new or
TIGHTEN bolts.
REFER to Section 211 - 02 .
z Loose lower steering
column shaft U- joint
bolts. z
TIGHTEN the bolts.
REFER to Section 211 - 04 .
z Loose, worn or
damaged lower
steering column shaft
U-joints. z
INSTALL a new lower
steering column shaft.
REFER to Section 211 - 04 .
z Loose, worn or
damaged steering
column bearing(s). z
INSTALL new
steering column
bearings. REFER to
Section 211 - 04 .
z Suspension
components. z
REFER to Section 204 - 00 for suspension
system diagnosis and
testing.
z Drift/Pull zUnevenly loaded or
overloaded vehicle. z
INFORM the
customer of incorrect
vehicle loading.
z Wheel alignment. zCHECK the wheel
alignment. ADJUST
as required. REFER
to Section 204 - 00 .
z Loose, worn or
damaged front wheel
spindle tie- rod. z
GO to the Tie- Rod
Articulation Torque
Component Test.
z Loose, worn or
damaged tie- rod ends. z
GO to the Steering
Linkage Component
Test.
z Suspension
components. z
REFER to Section 204 - 00 for suspension
system diagnosis and
testing.
z The steering gear valve
effort out of balance. z
GO to Steering Gear
Valve Component
Test in this section.
z Check the brake
system for proper z
REFER to Section 206 - 00 . Klj . 6 ba
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operation.
z Incorrect
frame/underbody
alignment. z
CORRECT as
required. REFER to
Frame Dimension
Manual.
z Feedback zLoose, worn or
damaged front wheel
spindle tie- rod. z
GO to the Tie- Rod
Articulation Torque
Component Test.
z Loose, worn or
damaged tie- rod ends. z
GO to the Steering
Linkage Component
Test.
z Loose or damaged
steering gear insulators
or bolts. z
INSTALL new or
TIGHTEN the
retaining bolts.
REFER to Section 211 - 02 .
z Loose lower steering
column shaft U- joint
bolts. z
TIGHTEN the bolts.
REFER to Section 211 - 04 .
z Loose suspension
bushings, fasteners or
ball joints. z
INSTALL new
suspension
components as
necessary. REFER to
Section 204 - 01 .
z Worn or damaged
steering column
bearing(s). z
INSTALL new
steering column
bearing(s). REFER to
Section 211 - 04 .
z Poor
Returnability/Sticky
Steering z
Binding lower steering
column shaft U- joints. z
INSTALL a new lower
steering column shaft.
REFER to Section 211 - 04 .
z Loose, worn or
damaged front wheel
spindle tie- rod. z
GO to the Tie- Rod
Articulation Torque
Component Test.
z Loose, worn or
damaged tie- rod ends. z
GO to the Steering
Linkage Component
Test.
z Suspension
components. z
REFER to Section 204 - 00 for suspension
system diagnosis and
testing.
z Binding steering
column bearing(s). z
INSTALL new
steering column
bearing(s). REFER to
Section 211 - 04 .
z Shimmy zLoose, worn or
damaged tie- rod end. z
GO to the Steering
Linkage Component
Test.
z Loose, worn or
damaged front wheel
spindle tie- rod. z
GO to the Tie- Rod
Articulation Torque
Component Test.
z Suspension
components. z
REFER to Section 204 - 00 for suspension
system diagnosis and
testing. Klj . 7 ba
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Component Tests
Steering Linkage
1. NOTE: Excessive vertical motion of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive
wear.
With the parking brake applied, perform the following:
zHave an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch for
relative motion of the studs in the tie- rod end ball sockets.
z Watch for loose steering gear mounting.
2. Another method is to raise the front wheels (1007) off the ground, grasp the wheel at the front and rear and watch for excessive play or binding in the joints while trying to steer the wheels.
3. Install new steering components as necessary. For additional information, refer to the appropriate Group 2 steering section.
Turning Effort Test
NOTE: Make sure that the front wheels are properly aligned and the tire pressure is correct before
checking the effort.
1. Park the vehicle on dry concrete and set the parking brake.
2. Insert a thermometer into the power steering pump reservoir.
3. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to
five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Idle the engine for two to three minutes. Turn the steering wheel from stop- to-stop several times
to warm the fluid to 50- 60°C (122-140°F).
4. With the engine running, attach special tool 211- 034 (T74P-3504-Y) to the rim of the steering
wheel.
5. Measure the pull required to turn the steering wheel one complete revolution in each direction. Refer to Steering Wheel Turning Effort under General Specifications in this section.
Pump Flow and Pressure Test WARNING: Do not touch the flowmeter during the test procedure, or severe burns and
serious injury may occur.
1. CAUTION: Make sure that the connection point will not interfere with any of the
engine accessory drive components or drive belts.
Install special tool 211- F001 (014-00207) at the high pressure port of the power steering pump.
Make sure the power steering analyzer gate valve is fully open. Klj . 8 ba
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z
On some vehicles, the power steering pump high pressure port is inaccessible and the
special tool should then be installed either at the steering gear or at a point in the high
pressure line between the power steering pump and the steering gear.
2. Place a dial thermometer in the power steering pump reservoir.
3. Check the power steering fluid level. If necessary, add power steering fluid. zUse Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT -2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
4. Install a digital tachometer.
5. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to
five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Start the engine. Place the transmission in neutral. Set the parking brake. Raise the power
steering fluid temperature to 74- 80°C (165-175°F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left
and right several times.
6. Set the engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate and pressure readings. zIf the flow rate is below the flow rate specification, a new power steering pump may need
to be installed. Continue with the test procedure.
z If the pressure reading is above the maximum pressure specification, then check power
steering hoses for kinks and restrictions.
7. Partially close the gate valve to obtain 750 psi. Set the engine speed at idle. Record the flow rate.
zIf the flow is less than the specified flow rate, then install a new power steering pump. For
additional information, refer to Section 211 - 02 .
8. CAUTION: Do not allow the gate valve to remain closed for more than 5 seconds.
Completely close and partially open the gate valve 3 times. Record the pressure relief valve
actuation pressure reading. zIf the pressure does not meet the relief pressure specification, install a new power
steering pump. For additional information, refer to Section 211 - 02 .
9. Set engine speed to 1500 rpm. Record the flow rate. zIf the flow rate varies more than 3.785 liters/minute (1 gallon/minute) from the initial flow
rate reading, install a new power steering pump. For additional information, refer to
Section 211 - 02 .
10. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to
five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Set the engine speed at idle. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel to the left and
right stops. Record flow rate and pressure readings at the stops.
zThe pressure reading at both stops should be nearly the same as the maximum pump
relief pressure.
z The flow rate should drop below 1.9 liters/minute (0.5 gallons/minute).
z If the pressure does not reach the maximum pump relief pressure or the flow rate does
not drop below the specified value, excessive internal leakage is occurring. Install a new
steering gear as necessary. For additional information, refer to Section 211 - 02 . Klj . 9 ba
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11. Turn (or have an assistant turn) the steering wheel slightly in both directions and release quickly
while watching the pressure gauge.
zThe pressure reading should move from the normal back pressure reading and snap
back as the steering wheel is released.
z If the pressure returns slowly or sticks, the rotary valve in the steering gear is sticking or
the steering column is binding. Check the steering column and linkages before servicing
the steering gear.
Tie- Rod Articulation Torque
1. NOTE: This check may be done with the steering gear on or off the vehicle.
Disconnect the tie- rod end from the front wheel spindle. For additional information, refer to
Section 211 - 02 .
2. Move the front wheel spindle tie- rod back and forth three times.
3. Hook the special tool 211- 034 (T74P-3504-Y) over the tie-rod end or the threaded portion of the
front wheel spindle tie- rod and measure the force required to move the front wheel spindle tie-
rod. Refer to Tie- Rod Articulation Torque in General Specifications in this section.
4. If the force required to move the front wheel spindle tie- rod does not meet the specifications,
install a new front wheel spindle tie- rod. For additional information, refer to Section 211 - 02 .
Steering Gear Valve 1. With the vehicle in motion, place the transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the engine OFF. zIf the vehicle does not pull with the engine OFF, install a new steering gear. For
additional information, refer to Section 211 - 02 .
2. If the vehicle pulls with the engine OFF, cross- switch the front wheels.
3. If the vehicle pulls to the opposite side, cross- switch the front and rear wheels on the same side.
4. If the vehicle pull direction does not change, check the front suspension components, wheel alignment and frame alignment. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 00 or frame
dimensions manual. Klj . 10 ba
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
System Flushing —
CII Power Steering Pump
WARNING: Do not mix oil types. Any mixture or any unapproved oil can lead to seal
deterioration and leaks. A leak can ultimately cause loss of fluid, which can result in a loss of
power steering assist.
1. Remove the fuel pump fuse from the battery junction box.
2. Disconnect the power steering return hose. Plug the reservoir.
3. Attach an extension hose between the power steering return hose and an empty container.
4. Raise the front wheels off the floor. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
5. Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the correct level. zUse Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT -2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
6. CAUTION: Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Allow the
starter to cool for 1 minute before cranking again. Premature starter failure can occur.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to
five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Turn the steering wheel from stop- to-stop while cranking the engine until the fluid exiting the
power steering return hose is clear of all contamination and foreign material.
zAdd Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT -2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent as
needed.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Disconnect the extension hose from the power steering return hose. Remove the plug. Attach the power steering return hose to the reservoir.
SECTION 211-
00: Steering System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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9.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the correct level. zUse Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT -2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.
10. Install the fuel pump fuse.
11. CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to
five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop- to-stop.
12. CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
NOTE: If the power steering system is noisy and is accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid it
will be necessary to purge the power steering system.
Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the correct level.
zUse Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose ATF XT -2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent. Klj . 2 ba
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