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.
Steering Gear: Installation
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- Position the steering gear.
- Shift the steering towards the passenger side of the vehicle.
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NOTE: Driver side steering gear mounting bolt must be torqued first.
Install the new steering gear mounting bolts.
Torque: 184 lb.ft (250 Nm)
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- Connect the EPAS gear electrical connectors.
- Position the steering gear wire harness and install the retaining clip.
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WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
Connect the steering column shaft u-joint to the steering gear.
- Install the new steering column shaft bolt.
Torque: All models except Raptor: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm) | Raptor: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
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NOTE: 4WD shown, RWD similar.
If equipped. Install the underbody shield and the underbody shield bolts.
Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)
- If equipped. Install the underbody shield and install the underbody shield bolts.
Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)
- If equipped. Install the underbody shield and install the underbody shield bolts.
Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)
- Raptor vehicles. If equipped. Install the middle underbody skid plate and bolts.
Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
- Raptor vehicles. If equipped. Install the front underbody skid plate and bolts.
Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
- Raptor vehicles. If equipped. Install the spacer and the bolts to the front underbody skid plate.
Torque: 41 lb.ft (55 Nm)
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- Connect the outer tie rod end to the wheel knuckle.
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NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while installing the nut.
Install the new outer tie rod end nut.
Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)
- Install the wheel and tire. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
- Connect the battery ground cable. Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect .
- When installing a new steering gear, it must be configured (using vehicle as-built data or module configuration information retrieved earlier in this procedure). Connect a scan tool and follow the scan tool instructions. Refer to: Module Configuration - System Operation and Component Description .
- Check and if necessary, adjust front toe. Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.