Steering Wheel - Off Center After Hard Turn
Article No.95-24-1
12/04/95
STEERING - ALIGNMENT - STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER - CLEAR VISION - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 3/1/95
FORD:
1993-95 PROBE
ISSUE:
The steering wheel may be at a slightly off center position after a hard left or right turn on some vehicles. This may be caused by the hardness of the steering gear left mounting bushing which allows the steering gear to move sideways slightly.
ACTION:
Confirm that the vehicle does not drift or pull. Check for loose or damaged steering components. Install a revised steering gear left mounting bushing. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE
1. Set the front wheels to the straight ahead position. Place a mark on the steering wheel at Point A using tape (Figure 1).
2. With the vehicle stationary, engine running, rotate the steering wheel to its full RH lock position.
3. Drive the vehicle on a straight road for approximately 0.40 km (1/4 mile). Check and mark the steering column at Point B using tape (Figure 1).
4. With the vehicle stationary, engine running, rotate the steering wheel to its full LH lock position.
5. Drive the vehicle on a straight road for approximately 0.40 km (1/4 mile). Check and mark the steering column at Point C using tape (Figure 1).
6. If the distance between Point B and Point C is greater than 10 mm (0.4"), replace the LH rack bushing following the Service Procedure listed in this TSB article.
7. If the distance between Point B and Point C is less than 10 mm (0.4") and the vehicle does not drift or pull, the vehicle is operating normal to design intent and no action is necessary.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Remove the four (4) steering rack mounting bracket nuts and bolts (Figure 2).
2. Pry the LH mounting bracket loose.
3. Remove the LH mounting bushing and discard.
4. Install the new LH mounting bushing (F32Z-3C716-AA).
5. Reinstall the LH mounting bracket.
6. Reinstall the four (4) steering rack mounting nuts and bolts.
7. Torque the nuts to 38-52 N-m (28-38 lb-ft) in the sequence shown in Figure 2.
8. Verify the repair.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
F32Z-3C716-AA LH Mounting Bushing
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
952401A Replace LH Mounting Bushing 0.8 Hr
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3C716 36
OASIS CODES: 303000