Mercury F7AZ-3504-FDRM Steering Gear Assembly

The rack and pinion removal process for 2002 and earlier models includes several steps. First, remove stone shields by unclipping the lock tab. Disconnect pressure and return lines, fluid line fittings, and pinch bolt on the flex coupling clamp. The Pitman arm should be detached from the sector shaft that supports the rack and pinion after removing it with attachment bolts. While installing, align the flex coupling on the steering shaft assembly so that its wheel spokes are horizontal. The rack and pinion mounting bolts should be installed and tightened. Return the Pitman arm back onto the sector shaft and secure the Pitman arm nut. Flex coupling to the rack and pinion input shaft clamp bolt shall be installed and tightened. Reconnect pressure and return lines securely. Fill the power steering system and bleed it out. For 2003 and later models, however, things are done slightly differently. Park with wheels straight ahead then loosen the front wheel lug nuts using a small wrench while raising the vehicle with jack stands with the parking brake applied. Place a drain pan under the rack and pinion unscrew the power steering pressure and return lines using a flare-nut wrench.

The rack and pinion removal process for 2002 and earlier models includes several steps. First, remove stone shields by unclipping the lock tab. Disconnect pressure and return lines, fluid line fittings, and pinch bolt on the flex coupling clamp. The Pitman arm should be detached from the sector shaft that supports the rack and pinion after removing it with attachment bolts. While installing, align the flex coupling on the steering shaft assembly so that its wheel spokes are horizontal. The rack and pinion mounting bolts should be installed and tightened. Return the Pitman arm back onto the sector shaft and secure the Pitman arm nut. Flex coupling to the rack and pinion input shaft clamp bolt shall be installed and tightened. Reconnect pressure and return lines securely. Fill the power steering system and bleed it out. For 2003 and later models, however, things are done slightly differently. Park with wheels straight ahead then loosen the front wheel lug nuts using a small wrench while raising the vehicle with jack stands with the parking brake applied. Place a drain pan under the rack and pinion unscrew the power steering pressure and return lines using a flare-nut wrench.

Only 1982 through 1987 Continental and 1984 through 1992 Mark VII owners need to remove the stone shield from their steering shaft coupling. They can pull off the lock tab and open it into two parts for easy separation. Rake the oil and return paths on the Rack And Pinion, then take off the pressure and return lines. Seal those lines to keep dirt out before getting work done. Take out the bolt fastening the steering gear flexible coupling, then lift the vehicle to unscrew the nut that connects the roadwheel to the steering shaft. Write down where you marked the Pitman arm and sector shaft before taking apart their connection. Remove the Pitman arm using a puller. Unbolt the steering gear from its holder, let it come off the flex coupling safely. To install, place the flex coupling on steel shaft receiver and make sure steering wheel's pegs run straight between horizontal positions. Fit the steering input shaft in the flex coupling clamp, put the piece between the frame side rail and the gear, and torque the bolts to the guideline force. First align the front wheels straight ahead, place the Pitman arm on the sector shaft, and attach it tightly to the recommended torque setting. Add the clamp bolt to hold the flex coupling-to-steering gear input shaft in place, and tighten it. Join both fluid lines of the power steering system to the steering gear, and make sure the connection is locked. Carefully add fluid to the reservoir, test steering wheel movement from both ends of its range, check and top up if needed. First, start the engine, let the wheel move between left and right positions, then look for any fluid spills around the power steering before you do any bleeding.