Ford 3W1Z-3504-GARM
Steering Gear

Service technicians must disable air suspension electrical power before starting to work on the rack and pinion components to avoid the springs inflating or deflating unexpectedly. This prevents vehicle position changes when operating on the steering system. Turn off the air suspension service switch before locking the steering wheel in a straight position by using an appropriate restraining device. Avoid any rotational movement of the intermediate shaft when separate from the rack and pinion because it might damage the Clock Spring system; if rotation happens, the Clock Spring needs reinstalling. To detach the intermediate shaft from the rear section of the vehicle, remove the bolt located in the engine compartment. You must detach the wheel and tire assembly first and then apply the hex holder on the stud to stop its turning when you unscrew the torque nuts which break the wheel knuckles from the tie-rod connections. Break the lines by taking out their bolt, then drain the fluid into the proper container. First, disconnect the electrical connection, after which the nuts need removal to extract the studs and rack and pinion from the vehicle. Follow the removal procedure in reverse when installing the new rack and pinion before finishing the work by filling the system and checking for leaks.