Section 11-02B: Steering Gear, Power, Ford
1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-Super Duty and Bronco Workshop Manual
ADJUSTMENTS

Rotary Valve Centering Check

  1. NOTE: A hissing noise is a normal characteristic of rotary valve steering gears and in no way affects steering. Do not replace the shaft and control assembly unless the hiss is EXTREMELY objectionable. A replacement valve will also exhibit slight noise, and is not always a cure for the complaint. Any metal-to-metal contacts, such as column grounding, coupling grounding or sheet metal to steering components will transmit valve hiss noise into the passenger compartment.

    The only service that can be performed on the new valve worm and assembly is the replacement of the four valve sleeve O-rings on the valve sleeve and replacement of the control valve housing. Install a 0-13,789 kPa (0-2000 psi) pressure-gauge Power Steering Analyzer D79L-33610-A or equivalent in the power steering pressure hose (3A719) between the power steering pump outlet port and the integral steering gear inlet port. Be sure that the valve on the gauge is fully open.

  1. Check the fluid level in the power steering oil reservoir (3A697) and add Premium Power Steering Fluid E6AZ-19582-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESW-M2C33-F if necessary.

  1. Start the engine (6007) and turn the steering wheel (3600) from side to side to bring the steering fluid to normal operating temperature. Turn off the engine and recheck the fluid level. Add Premium Power Steering Fluid E6AZ-19582-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESW-M2C33-F if necessary.

  1. With the engine running at approximately 1000 rpm and the steering wheel centered, attach a pound-inch torque wrench to the steering wheel nut. Apply sufficient torque in each direction to get a gauge reading of 1723 kPa (250 psi).

  1. The torque wrench readings should be the same in both directions at 1723 kPa (250 psi). If the difference between the readings exceeds 0.68 Nm (6 lb-in), remove the steering gear (3504) and replace the shaft and control assembly.

  1. When performing the valve centering check outside the vehicle, use the procedures described above, except take the torque and pressure readings at the right and left stops instead of either side of center.