Ford 3W1Z-3504-EARM
Gear Assembly

Every service and repair operation on the rack and pinion needs a disabled electrical power supply for the air suspension system to avoid sudden air spring pressure changes which might move the vehicle during maintenance execution. The service switch for air suspension needs deactivation followed by a secure straight-ahead position of the steering wheel through proper holding equipment. The hex holding feature should be engaged to lock the stud from spinning during nut removal and tie-rod detachment from wheel knuckles. Keep the intermediate shaft from rotating when disconnected from the rack and pinion because it will harm the Clock Spring yet remove and reset the Clock Spring in case this occurs. Unbolt the intermediate shaft from the gear assembly by removing the bolt before you disconnect the fluid lines and drain all fluid into an appropriate receptacle. First remove the electrical connector then unscrew the nuts which will allow you to detach the rack and pinion and its studs. The procedure for installing the new rack and pinion requires executing steps in reverse order and finally checking the system for leaks after purging and filling it.

A mandatory requirement when servicing or repairing the rack and pinion includes replacement of new O-ring seals when disconnecting any lines from the rack and pinion. The first goal is to shut down air suspension system electricity because unexpected air spring fluctuations will result in vehicle movements when using jacks or hoists or if towing operations are underway. Support the wheel steering column at a zero-degree angle through a proper holding tool. It is crucial to maintain the intermediate shaft stationary after rack and pinion separation as Clock Spring damage can occur; repositioning the Clock Spring will be necessary if shaft rotation exists. A bolt securing the intermediate shaft must be removed through the engine compartment for separation from the rack. You should start by dismantling wheel assemblies followed by using the hex tool to lock the stud before undriving tie-rod nuts that secure knuckle-wheel connections. Before draining fluid from the lines, remove the bolt connecting them to the system then discard both O-ring seals together with the fluid in a suitable container. The electric connector has to come off first followed by nut removal until all studs and the rack and pinion become accessible for extraction. The replacement process requires reversing the removal steps while you replace both high-pressure hose O-ring seals with new ones together with return hose O-ring seals before verifying system leakage.

To prevent vehicle shifting during operations.