Ford XF3Z-3504-BBRM
Gear Assembly

Service and repair operations on the rack and pinion start with the removal of instrument panel lower trim cover followed by steering column lower trim panel and steering column reinforcement panel. Disassemble the pinch bolt which connects the universal joint but maintain the steering wheel stationary as disconnecting the lower steering column shaft to prevent air bag sliding contact damage. Detach the intermediate shaft from rack and pinion coupling by removing its bolt and push the shaft upward before pulling it downward for complete separation from the steering column. First disassemble the weather seal from the steering column opening and then deal with the retaining screw to cut off the wiring harness inside the engine compartment before unbolting the upper motor mount. Begin by unfastening the screw holding the ground strap in place after which you can lift the vehicle then remove its wheels. Use a suitable puller to detach the tie rods from the knuckles after removing the nuts along with cotter pins at the tie rod ends. First disconnect the height sensors along with the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HEGO). Then separate the catalytic converter inlet pipe retaining nuts (front and rear) and the catalytic converter outlet flange retaining bolts and nuts. First remove the bolt securing the support bracket followed by the removal of the catalytic converter then take off bolts and nuts together with subframe insulator braces. Begin by removing the rack and pinion nuts before using an appropriate jack to sustain the subframe and eliminating rear subframe retaining bolts while lightly loosening front retaining bolts. Begin by lowering the lift and removing both pushpins along with the heat shield after which you need to remove all heat shield screws and the bracket. The wiring at the rack and pinion should disconnect first as turning the rack and pinion and pulling it left will provide access to power steering lines. To replace the rack and pinion, disconnect the pressure and return lines at the rack and pinion then remove the rack and pinion through the left fender opening while ensuring that the check valve under the hollow bolt attaching the VAPS pressure block to the rack and pinion faces up as a dome when installing a new rack and pinion. Rack and pinion installation starts with placing it into position then applying the Seal Replacer to change both the return line connector seal and pressure line connector seal before connecting the pressure line and return line. First install the subframe-mounted retaining nuts on the rack and pinion before wiring connections at the gear position. Fasten the heat shield bracket to its retaining screws and place the heat shield before installing pushpins. Lift the equipment to install subframe bolts at both the front and rear locations before taking out the lift. First install the retaining bolts onto the subframe insulator braces and then attach the catalytic converter before installing the support bracket retaining bolt. Embed the nuts in both rear and front exhaust inlet pipe sections as well as the exhaust flange bolts together with the nuts. Connect the HEGO sensor wiring with height sensors along with tie rods and apply retaining nuts and cotter pins for installation. Place the wheels onto the vehicle then lower it while positioning the ground strap before finishing with the retaining screw installation. The wiring harness requires attachment before you install the upper motor mount and weather seal and steering column intermediate shaft. Hook the pinch bolts to bed the intermediate shaft toward the rack and pinion coupling and the column coupling. Afterward, mount the steering column reinforcement panel and the steering column lower trim panel and the instrument panel lower trim cover. As the final step complete the system filling procedure then check for any possible leaks followed by a wheel alignment examination when required.