Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1996EXPLORER 4D UTILITY, 4.0 X, 4WD, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)STEERINGPOWER STEERINGSTEERING SYSTEM - INTEGRAL POWER STEERINGADJUSTMENTSSTEERING GEAR MESHLOAD
1996 Ford Explorer 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, Automatic
Steering Gear MESHLOAD
1996 Ford Explorer 4D Utility, 4.0 X, 4WD, AutomaticSECTION Steering Gear MESHLOAD
- Reference mark pitman arm to sector shaft. Using Pitman Arm Puller (T64P-3590-F), remove pitman arm from sector shaft. Disconnect fluid return line at pump reservoir. Cap reservoir return line pipe. Place end of return line in suitable container.
- Turn steering wheel in both directions several times to drain fluid. DO NOT reuse this fluid. Remove horn button from steering wheel to access steering wheel nut. Turn steering wheel until positioned 45 degrees from left or right steering stop.
- Using an INCH-lb. torque wrench on steering wheel nut, record "starting" torque required to turn steering shaft 1/8 turn toward top center from 45-degrees position.
- Turn steering gear to center position (steering wheel normal center position, half way between lock-to-lock position). Using an INCH-lb. torque wrench on steering wheel nut, record "centering" torque required to move steering wheel and shaft back and forth across center position.
- If vehicle is new (less than 5000 miles), "centering" torque should be 12-24 INCH lbs. (1.4-2.7 N.m). Adjust as required, go to step 6). If vehicle has more than 5000 miles or sector shaft has been replaced, compare "centering" torque with "starting" torque recorded in step 3). If "centering" torque is not 10 INCH lbs. (1.1 N.m) greater than "starting" torque, adjust so "centering" torque is 9-13 INCH lbs. (1.0-1.5 N.m) greater than "starting" torque. To adjust, go to next step.
- To adjust meshload, loosen sector shaft lock nut, turn sector shaft adjustment screw until proper torque reading across center position is obtained. Repeat steps 3)-5). See Figure . Tighten lock nut while holding adjusting screw in place.
- Install horn button/pad. Attach pitman arm nut and tighten to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Reconnect pump hose. Add fluid and bleed system. See HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING under LUBRICATION.
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.