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 MANUALSFORD2005TAURUS SEL, 4D SEDANREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 147 (STEERING SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION)DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGSTEERING SYSTEMINSPECTION AND VERIFICATION
2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D Sedan
Inspection and Verification
2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Inspection and Verification
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Verify the customer concern.
- Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.VISUAL INSPECTION CHART
Mechanical - Fluid level
- Tire pressure
- Tires
- Drive belt
- Drive belt tensioner
- Steering column alignment
- Tie-rod ends
- Suspension components
- Steering column shaft U-joints
- Intermediate shaft bolts
- Power steering reservoir baffle
- Power steering reservoir filter
- Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
- Power steering return hoses and clamps
- Steering gear
- Power steering pump
- Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
- Aerated or foamy: Purge the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM PURGING .
- Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUSHING .
- Check the power steering system for fluid leaks.
- Check the power steering fluid level.
NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.With the ignition OFF:
- Wipe off the power steering pump, the power steering pressure hose, the power steering return hose, the power steering fluid cooler, the hose assembly and the steering gear.
- Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times and check for leaks.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for an extended amount of time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur. - Inspect the power steering pressure and return hoses, the fittings and the O-rings for leaks.
- If a leak is detected at a power steering pressure or return hose, install a new hose. Refer to POWER STEERING .
- If a leak is detected at a fitting or clamp plate, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the fittings, the clamp plate, the O-rings, and the Teflon ®seals. Install new as necessary. Refer to POWER STEERING .
- If a leak is detected at the power steering reservoir, install a new reservoir. Refer to POWER STEERING .
- If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is fully installed on the fitting and that the constant tension spring clamp is correctly positioned. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
- If a leak is detected at a screw clamp joint, tighten the screw clamp. If the leak remains, inspect the tube end and install a new hose. Refer to POWER STEERING .
- If a leak is detected at the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to POWER STEERING .
NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the squeeze-type clamp from the steering gear boots to inspect for leaks. - Inspect the power steering gear for leaks. If a leak is detected at the power steering gear, install a new power steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING .
- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
- If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to SYMPTOM CHART .
NOTE:
The 3 areas that should be inspected for possible contamination are the power steering reservoir filter, the flow control and pressure relief valve in the pump, and the check valve in the inlet port on the power steering gear (if equipped).
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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.