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 - Power: Description
Two types of power rack and pinion steering gears are used. A TRW built unit is used on the Mustang SVO. All others use a Ford gear unit. Operation of these 2 units are the same, but some of the maintenance procedures are different.
All models using rack and pinion steering gears are available in 2 ratios, a 20:1 variable ratio and a 15:1 constant ratio. The 15:1 constant ratio gear is used on Capri, Mark VII, LTD, Marquis, Mustang, Mustang SVO and Thunderbird. The 20:1 variable ratio gear is used on all other rack and pinion Ford Motor Co. models. The 2 gear assemblies are basically the same except for dimensional differences in the rack teeth and valve assembly, and a larger bushing diameter in the housing. Service procedures are the same for both gears.
These gear units use a hydraulic-mechanical unit with an integral piston and rack, that provides power-assisted steering control. Internal valving directs pump flow and controls pressure to reduce steering effort. Units contain a rotary fluid control valve and a boost cylinder integral with gear rack.
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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.