light FORD MUSTANG 1969 Volume One Chassis

03-02-10
Suspension

03-02-10

lower
arm
free
to
drop
as
coil spring

tension
is
eased.
If a
chain hoist
or a

jack that
has
a
narrow contact
pad is

to
be
used
on the
bumper
to
raise
the

car, distribute
the
load along
the

bumper
by
using
a
steel plate
3 or 4

inches long
as a
contact
pad to pre-

vent damaging
the
bumper.

2.
If the
ball joint
is
riveted
to the

arm, drill
a
1/8-inch
pilot hole
com-

pletely through each rivet. Then drill

off
the
rivet head through
the
pilot

hole with
a
3/8-inch drill,
and
drive

out both rivets.

3.
Position
a
jack
or
safety stand

under
the
lower
arm, and
lower
the

vehicle about
6
inches
to
offset
the

coil spring tension.

4.
Remove
the
cotter
pin
from
the

ball joint stud,
and
remove
the nut.

5.
Place
a box
wrench over
the

lower
end
of the
tool shown
in
Fig.
7,

and position
the
tool.
The
tool should

seat firmly against
the end of
both

studs,
and
not
against
the
upper stud

nut.

6. Turn
the
wrench until both studs

are under tension,
and
then, with
a

hammer,
tap the
spindle near
the

lower stud
to
loosen
the
stud from
the

spindle.
Do not
loosen
the
stud with

tool pressure alone. Remove
the
ball

joint.

7.
Clean
the end of the arm, and

remove
all
burrs from
the
hole edges.

Check
for
cracks
in the
metal
at the

holes,
and
replace
the arm if it is

cracked.

8. Position
the
stud
of
the
ball joint

to
the
spindle bore,
and
install
the at-

taching
nut
finger-tight.

9. Attach
the
ball joint
to
the
lower

arm.
Use
only
the
specified bolts
and

nuts.
Do not
rivet
the new
ball joint
to

the
arm.
Torque nuts
to
specification.

10.
Torque
the
ball joint stud
nut

to specification,
and
install
a
new cot-

ter
pin.

11.
Remove
the
jack.

12.
Check
and, if
necessary, adjust

caster, camber,
and
toe-in. Whenever

any part
of the
front suspension
has

been removed
and
installed, front

wheel alignment must
be
checked.

BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

The lower ball joint
is
riveted
to
the

lower
arm
wheras
the
upper ball joint

is bolted
to the
upper
arm.
When
re-

placing
a
ball joint,
use all the
parts

supplied
in the kit.
T57P-3006-A
UPPER
ARM

UPPER BALL JOINT

LOWER BALL JOINT
\
LOWER
ARM

T62F.3006-A
F
1493-A

FIG. 13— Loosening Ball Joint

Stud

Lower
Arm

1.
Raise
the
vehicle. Place
a sup-

port under each rail
to the
rear
of
the

lower
arm in the
lifting
pad
area.

2.
Remove
the
wheel
and
tire from

the
hub.

3.
Remove
2
bolts
and
washers that

attach
the
caliper
to the
spindle.
Re-

move
the
caliper from
the
rotor
and

wire
it to the
underbody
to
prevent

damage
to the
brake hose.

4.
Remove
the hub and
rotor from

the spindle.

5.
Remove
the
splash shield
and

gasket from
the
spindle.

6. Remove
the
cotter
pin
from
the

lower ball stud,
and
loosen
the nut

one
to two
turns.

7.
Place
a box
wrench over
the

lower
end of the
ball joint remover

tool,
and
position
the
tool
as in Fig.

13.
The
tool should seat firmly against

the ends
of
both studs,
and not

against
the
lower stud
nut.

8. Turn
the
wrench until both studs

are under tension,
and
then, with
a

hammer,
tap the
spindle near
the

lower stud
to
loosen
the
stud from
the

spindle.
Do not
loosen
the
stud with

tool pressure alone.

9. Place
a
jack under
the
spring

pocket
in the
lower
arm, and
raise
the
arm slightly. Place
a
support stand

under
the
lower
arm as a
safety
pre-

caution.

10.
Remove
the nut
from
the
ball

joint stud. Raise
the
upper
arm and

spindle until
the
spindle clears
the
ball

stud. Prop
the
upper
arm in a
raised

position.

11.
Remove
the
ball -joint rivet

heads with
a
chisel. Punch
the
remain-

ing portion
of the
rivets from
the

holes,
and
remove
the
joint.

12.
Install
the
new
joint using
the

parts supplied
in the kit.
Torque
the

nuts
to
specification. Make sure
the

joint
is
completely filled with
the
spec-

ified lubricant.

13.
Lower
the
upper
arm
while

guiding
the
spindle over
the
ball stud.

Install
the
stud
nut and
tighten
it to

specification. Continue
to
tighten
the

nut
to
line
up the
cotter
pin
hole.
In-

stall
the
cotter
pin.

14.
Install
the
gasket
and
shield
on

the spindle. Tighten
the
attaching

bolts
to
specifications.

15.
Install
the
hub and
rotor
on the

spindle
and
adjust
the
wheel bearings.

16.
Install
the
caliper
to
the
spindle

and tighten
the
attaching bolts
to

specifications. Check
for the
correct

flexible hose routing (Part
2-2).

17.
Install
the
wheel
and
tire.
Tor-

que
the
wheel nuts
to
specification
and

lower
the
vehicle.

Upper
Arm

1.
Place
a
jack under
the
outer
end

of
the
lower
arm,
and
raise
the arm.

Place
a
support stand under
the
side

rail
in the
lifting
pad
area.

2.
Remove
the
wheel
and
tire.

3.
Remove
the
cotter
pin
from
the

upper ball stud,
and
loosen
the nut

one
to two
turns.

%
4.
Place
a box
wrench over
the

lower
end of the
ball joint remover

tool,
and
position
the
tool
as in Fig.

13).
The
tool should seat firmly

against
the
ends
of
both studs,
and

not against
the
upper stud
nut.

5.
Turn
the
wrench until both studs

are under tension,
and
then, with
a

hammer,
tap the
spindle near
the

upper stud
to
loosen
the
stud from
the

spindle.
Do not
loosen
the
stud with

tool pressure alone.

6. Raise
the
upper
arm to
free
the

ball stud from
the
spindle. Wire
the

upper
end
of
the
spindle
to the
under-

body
to
prevent damage
to the
brake

hose.

7.
Remove
the
ball joint retaining

nuts
and
bolts,
and
remove
the
joint.

8. Install
the new
joint using
the

parts supplied
in the kit.
Torque
theprocarmanuals.com

03-02-18
Suspension

03-02-18

5.
Remove the cotter pin from the

upper ball joint stud nut.

6. Loosen the upper ball joint stud

nut one or two turns. Do not remove

the nut from the stud at this time.

7.
Install tool T57P-3006-A be-

tween the upper and lower ball joint

studs with the adapter screw on top

(Fig. 13). The tool should be seated

firmly against the ends of both studs

and not against the nuts or lower stud

cotter pin.

8. With a wrench, turn the adapter

screw until the tool places the stua

under tension. Tap the spindle near

the upper stud with a hammer to loos-

en the stud in the spindle. Do not

loosen the stud from the spindle with

tool pressure only.

9. Remove the tool from between

the ball joint studs and place a floor

jack under the lower arm.

10.
Raise the floor jack to relieve

the pressure from the upper ball joint

stud nut and remove the nut.

11.
Remove the upper arm inner

shaft attaching bolts. Remove the

upper arm and inner shaft as an as-

sembly (Fig. 1).

12.
Remove the bumpei from the

upper arm.

Installation

1.
Position the bumper to the upper

arm and install the nut and washer.

Torque the nut to specifications.

2.
Position the upper arm inner

shaft to the frame side rail and install

the 2 attaching bolts and washers

snug.

3.
Connect the upper ball joint stud

to the spindle and install the attaching

nut. Torque the nut to specification

and continue to tighten the nut until

the cotter pin hole in the stud is in

line with the nut slots. Then, install

the cotter pin.

4.
If equipped with drum type bra-

kes—Adjust the brakes as outlined in

Part 2-2. Install the wheel, tire, and

drum to the spindle and adjust the

wheel bearings as outlined in Part

3-12.

5.
If equipped with disc brak-

es—Install the wheel and tire on the

hub and adjust the wheel bearings as

outlined in Part 3-12.

6. Install the hub cap or wheel

cover.

7.
Remove the safety stands and

lower the front of the vehicle.

8. Check caster, camber, and toe-in

and adjust as required (Section 2, Part

3-D.
COUGAR, FAIRLANE,

FALCON, MONTEGO,

MUSTANG

Removal

1.
Raise the front of the vehicle,

position safety stands under the

frame, and lower the vehicle slightly.

2.
Remove the wheel and tire.

3.
Remove the shock absorber

lower attaching nuts and washers.

4.
Remove the shock absorber

upper mounting bracket attaching

nuts,
and remove the shock absorber

and bracket as an assembly (Fig. 26).

On all 8-cylinder vehicles, remove

the air cleaner to obtain access for

tool installation.

5.
Install the spring compressor

tool and compress the spring (Figs.

19,
20 and 21).

6. Position a safety stand under the

lower arm.

7.
Remove the cotter pin from the

nut on the upper ball joint stud, and

loosen the nut one or two turns. Do

not remove the nut from the stud at

this time.

8. Position the ball joint remover

tool between the upper and lower ball

joint studs as shown in Fig. 10. The

tool should seat firmly against the

ends of both studs and not against the

stud nuts.

9. Turn the tool with a wrench until

the tool places the studs under consid-

erable tension; then, hit the spindle

smartly near the upper stud with a

hammer to break the stud loose in the

spindle. Do not loosen the stud in the

spindle with tool pressure only. If

both arms are being removed, loosen

the lower stud in the same manner as

the upper stud.

10.
Remove the nut from the upper

stud and lift the stud out of the

spindle.

11.
Remove the upper arm inner

shaft attaching nuts from the engine

compartment, and remove the upper

arm.

12.
Wipe off all loose dirt from the

upper arm parts. Do not wash the ball

joint with a solvent.

Installation

1.
Position the upper arm on the

underbody mounting bracket, and in-

stall the nuts and lock washers on the

two inner shaft attaching bolts. The

specified keystone-type lock washers

must be used. Torque the nuts to

soecification.
2.
Position the upper ball joint stud

in the top of the wheel spindle, and in-

stall the stud nut. Torque the nut to

specification, and continue to tighten

it until the cotter pin hole and slots

line up. Install a new cotter pin.

3.
Release the coil spring, remove

the tool, and install the front shock

absorber and the wheel and tire.

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Removal

1.
Place a jack under the outer end

of the suspension lower arm and raise

the arm. Refer to Fig. 22.

2.
Remove the wheel and tire.

3.
Remove the cotter pin from the

upper ball joint stud. Loosen the nut

one or two turns.

4.
Place a box wrench over the

lower end of the ball joint remover

tool, and position the tool as in Fig.

13.
The tool should seat firmly against

the ends of both studs, and not

against the upper stud nut.

5.
Turn the wrench until both studs

are under tension, and then, tap the

spindle with a hammer near the upper

stud to loosen it from the spindle. Do

not loosen the stud with tool pressure

alone. Remove the nut.

UPPER MOUNTING BRACKET

LOWER RETAINING BOLTS F 1490-A

FIG. 26—Removing or Installing

Front Shock Absorber—Typicalprocarmanuals.com

03-02-26
Suspension

03-02-26

T64K-578 7-B2 (Adapter)

-83 (Nut)

(Bolt)

SPRING FRONT
EYE

Tool-T64K-5781-B2 (Adapter)
BUSHING

F 1484-A

FIG. 35—Rear Spring Front Bushing Installation—Typical

5.
Remove
the
rear shackle assem-

bly
and the two
outer bushings.

6. Remove
the
front hanger bolt,

nut,
and
washer from
the eye at the

forward
end of the
spring. Lift
out the

spring assembly.

7.
If the
front bushing
is
being
re-

placed, assemble
the
special tool
com-

bination
to the
bushing
in the
spring

front
eye as
shown
in
Fig.
34.

8. While holding
the
tool
nut,
tight-

en
the
tool bolt against
the
tool thrust

washer,
the
adapter,
and
detail
Al.

This operation will force
the
bushing

out
of the
spring
eye
into detail
A4 of

the tool
as
shown.

Installation

During rear suspension leaf spring

assembly replacement
in
service,
all

used attaching components must
be

discarded
and
replaced with
new com-

ponents.

1.
Assemble
the
bushing
and the

special tool combination
to the
spring

front
eye as
shown
in Fig. 35.

2.
While holding
the
tool
nut,
tight-

en
the
tool bolt against
the
tool thrust

washer, adapter,
and
detail
A4 to

force
the
bushing into
the
spring
eye

as shown.

3.
Position
the
spring under
the

rear axle
and
insert
the
shackle
as-

sembly into
the
rear hanger bracket

and
the
rear
eye of the
spring.
4.
Install
the
shackle inner bush-

ings,
the
shackle plate,
and the
lock-

nuts.
Tighten
the
locknuts finger-tight.

5.
Position
the
spring front
eye in

the front hanger, slip
the
washer
on

the front hanger bolt,
and
(from
the

inboard side) insert
the
bolt through

the hanger
and
eye. Install
the
locknut

on
the
hanger bolt
and
tighten finger-

tight.

6. Lower
the
rear axle until
it
rests

on
the
spring. Position
the
spring clip

plate
on the
clips (U-bolts). Install
the

U-bolt nuts
and
torque
to
specifica-

tion.

7.
Connect
the
lower
end of the

shock absorber
to the
spring clip plate

using
a new nut if
working
on a sta-

tion wagon
or
Ranchero.

8. Place safety stands under
the

rear axle, lower
the
vehicle until
the

spring
is in the
approximate curb load

position,
and
then torque
the
front

hanger stud locknut
to
specification.

9. Torque
the
rear shackle locknuts

to specification.

10.
Remove
the
safety stands
and

lower
the
vehicle.

REAR SPRING

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Removal

1.
Raise
the
vehicle
and
place
sup-

port stands under
the
sidemembers
on
the rear
of
each rear spring hanger.

2.
Lower
the
rear axle slightly
to

reduce some
of the
spring load; then,

remove
the
spring U-bolts.

3.
Remove
the
nuts, lock washers

and front mounting stud. Refer
to

Fig.
6.

4.
Remove
the
rear shackle nuts

and mounting plate. Remove
the

lower inner insulator. Remove
the

spring.
If the
rear shackle insulators

are
to be
replaced,
it
will
be
necessary

to remove
the
rear hanger assembly.

(Hanger attaching bolts must
be tor-

qued
to
specification when rein-

stalled.)

5.
Remove
the
insulators from
the

spring.

6. Examine
all
parts
for
wear
or

damage. Note
the
condition
of the

spring center bolt.

7.
The
spring center bolt
can be re-

placed
by
clamping
the
spring
in a

vise,
thus keeping
the
spring
com-

pressed during bolt removal
and in-

stallation.

Installation

1.
Attach
the
spring
and
bushing
to

the front hanger. Torque
the
outboard

nut
to
specifications.
Do not
tighten

the inboard
nut at
this time.

2.
Install
the
spring
to the
rear

shackle assembly with
the
insulators

in position.
Do not
tighten
the
nuts
at

this time. Refer
to Fig. 6.

3.
Place
the
insulator
and
retainers

in position
on the
spring.

4.
Lower
the
axle housing onto
the

insulator
and
retainer assembly.

If
a
wedge
was
located between
the

upper retainer
and
mounting
pad,

reinstall
the
same thickness wedge

with
the
taper
in the
original direc-

tion. Raise
the
axle until
the
spring
is

approximately horizontal with
the

floor.

5.
Install
the
lower insulator retain-

er
and
U-bolts.
Do not
tighten
the U-

bolt nuts
at
this time. Torque
the
rear

shackle nuts
to
specifications.

6. Torque
the
inboard
nut at the

front
eye to
specification.

7.
Tighten
the
U-bolt nuts evenly
to

the specified torque.

8. Make sure
the
lower insulator

retainer contacts
the
upper retainer.procarmanuals.com

03-04-03
Automatic Air Leveling System — Lincoln Continental

03-04-03

outlet lines to their respective parts.

3.
Adjust the trim height as de-

tailed in Section 4.

4.
Connect the link to the arm.

5.
Remove the jack stands and

lower the vehicle.

SUPER LIFT SHOCK ABSORBER

REMOVAL

1.
Raise the vehicle and place jack

stands under the axle to compress the

super lift.

2.
Loosen the air line or lines (right

super lift) slowly to release the air
from the system. Then, disconnect the

line or lines.

3.
Remove the three mounting plate

attaching screws from the upper end

of the super lift.

4.
Remove the attaching nut and

washer from the lower end of the

super lift and remove it from the vehi-

cle.

5.
Remove the nut, outer washer

and the insulator that attach the super

lift to the mounting plate. Remove the

plate, remaining insulator and washer.

INSTALLATION

1.
Position a washer, insulator,

mounting plate, insulator, washer and
nut on the stud at the upper end of

the super lift. Torque the nut to speci-

fication.

2.
Install the mounting plate, outer

insulator, washer and nut on the stud.

Torque the nut to specification.

3.
Attach the mounting plate and

shock absorber to the crossmember

with the attaching screws to specifica-

tions.

4.
Connect the lower end of the

super lift to the mounting stud with

the washers and attaching nut. Torque

the nut to specification.

5.
Connect the air line or lines

(right super lift) to the super lift.

6. Start the engine and check for

leaks.

3 IN-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIRS

REGULATOR ADJUSTMENT HEIGHT CONTROL VALVE

The regulator may be adjusted if

the regulator pressure is under 100 psi

with the reservoir pressure at a mini-

mum of 140 psi. If the regulated pres-

sure exceeds 130 psi, the regulator

must be replaced.

To adjust the regulator, remove the

boot and reposition the sleeve and re-

tainer deeper into the body of the re-

gulator, using a deep well socket (Fig.

4).
If the regulator pressure remains

under 100 psi, replace regulator.
SILICONE FLUID

REPLACEMENT

If the height control valve time

delay does not fall within specifica-

tion, the silicone fluid must be re-

placed. Then repeat the time delay

test. If delay is still not within specifi-

cations, replace the height control

valve.

1.
Remove control valve and clean
the exterior of the valve thoroughly.

2.
Position the valve with delay

plug on top. Remove delay plug and

drain silicone fluid from the chamber.

Remove the O-ring from the chamber

(Fig. 5), and discard the O-ring.

3.
Remove the cover plate retaining

ring, using snap ring pliers. Remove

the delay cover from the valve body.

Remove the O-ring from the chamber,

and discard the O-ring.

4.
Place a new O-ring over the

delay plug and install the plug. Tor-

que the plug to 20-30 in-lbs. .

5.
Pour silicone fluid into the delay

piston chamber until fluid level is 5/16

inch below the top edge of the body.

Add or remove fluid with an eye drop-

per until the proper fluid level is

reached.

6. Hold the control valve body in a

vise with the delay chamber elevated

slightly. Carefully operate the lever to

purge trapped air from the fluid.

7.
Place a new O-ring in the groove

around the delay piston bore. Install

5/16" TO

FLUID LEVEL

F 1405 A

FIG. 4—Adjusting Regulator
F1406 A

FIG. 5—Replacing Silicone Fluidprocarmanuals.com

03-05-03
Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-03

tapping the steering shaft lightly with

a plastic hammer to free the bearing

and flange from the shaft.

9. Remove the bearing and insula-

tor from the flange.

Installation

1.
Install flange bolts (square head)

in flange if they were removed. Turn

the nuts onto the bolts one complete

turn only.

2.
Position the flange onto the

steering column tube.

3.
Engage the two flange bolt heads

with the square holes in the column

tube,
then tighten the two attaching

nuts to specification.

4.
Position the bearing and insula-

tor on the shaft. Work it down onto

the shaft as far as possible, then place

a piece of 3/4 ID x 2 1/8 inch pipe

over the end of the shaft and install

the steering wheel attaching nut (Fig.

2).

5.
Tighten the nut until the bearing

is seated in the flange, then remove

the nut and pipe from the shaft.

6. Position the turn signal switch

on the flange and install the three at-

taching screws.

7.
Make certain that the wheels are

in the straight ahead position. Place

the steering wheel on the steering

shaft with the spokes in the horizontal
position. Install and torque the attach-

ing nut to specification.

8. Secure the crash pad to the

steering wheel with the two attaching

screws.

9. Connect the horn and turn signal

wires.

10.
Install the turn signal lever.

TILT WHEEL COLUMNS

Removal

1.
Disconnect the negative cable

from the battery.

2.
Remove the steering wheel with

tool T67L-3600-A (Fig. 1). Install the

spring, shipping spacer (3/4 x 1 1/8-

inch pipe) and a steering wheel attach-

ing nut on the shaft. Do not use a

knock-off type steering wheel puller or

strike the end of the steering shaft

with a hammer. Striking the puller or

shaft will damage the bearing or the

collapsible column.

3.
Remove the turn indicator lever

(Fig. 3).

4.
Remove the three screws that at-

tach the upper cover to the column

and remove the cover. It may be nec-

essary to rotate the cover approxi-

mately
1/4—1/2
inch to engage the

cover lip in the slot of turn signal

switch to permit clearance.
5.
Loosen the screw on the bottom

side and slide the lower cover down-

ward on the column (on Ford and

Mercury models, remove the shroud.)

6. Remove the screw that secures

the turn signal wire retaining clip to

the column and remove the clip.

7.
Remove the two screws that at-

tach the turn signal switch to the

steering column. Move the switch

wires upward enough to permit lifting

the switch over the end of the steering

shaft and lay the switch to one side.

Be careful not to lose the turn signal

lever pivot from the switch.

8. Compress the steering column

locking clamp with vise grip pliers

(Fig. 4) and move the steering shaft to

the full up position.

9. Hold the column position spring

rod with vise grip pliers to prevent flo-

tation then compress the spring and

remove the retainer. Remove the plas-

tic cover and spring.

10.
Install tool T67P-3D739-B as

shown in Fig. 4. Thread the bolt in-

ward finger tight until it bottoms, then

back it out one full turn. Make sure

that the handle is centered over the

pivot pin to prevent bolt breakage.

Hold the 3/8 inch bolt head station-

ary, then tighten the nut to extract the

pin. Repeat this operation on the op-

posite pin.

11.
Remove the nut, shipping spa-

UPPER

COVER

J

G 1498-B

FIG. 3—Typical Steering Column—Disassembledprocarmanuals.com

03-05-04
Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-04

Shipping Spacer

(3/4 X 1-1/3 inch

Pipe)

TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

Too/-T65P-3D739-A

G 1468-3

FIG. 4—Removing Pivot
Pin

cer and spring from the steering shaft.

12.
With
the
steering column lock-

ing clamp still compressed, lift
the

upper flange from
the
column
by

working against
the
lower bearing

inner race.

13.
Place
the
flange
on the
bench

with
the
smaller bearing toward
the

bench (Fig.
5).
Drive lightly
on the

outer race
at
each slot with
a
small

pick.
To
remove the upper bearing in-

vert
the
flange
and
remove
the
larger

bearing
in the
same manner. Never

drive
or
apply pressure
to the
inner

race.

Installation

1.
Select
a
socket wrench that
is

the same diameter
of
each bearing

outer race. Position the bearing on the

upper flange with the open side facing

inward. Place
the
socket
on the
outer

race
and tap the
bearing into place.

Be careful not
to
contact
the
bearing

inner race
as
damage will result.

2.
Compress
the
column release

lever with vise grips
to
place the lock-

ing levers
in the
release position.

3.
Position
the
flange
on the
upper

end
of
the shaft being careful
to
apply

pressure only
on the
upper bearing

inner race
to
prevent bearing damage.

4.
Install new pivot pins
to
assure
a
satisfactory press-fit
as
shown
in Fig.

6 with
a
C-clamp.
The
pivot pins

should have
a
clearance
of
0.005 inch

between
the
shoulder
and
casting

when properly installed.
A
clearance

of less than 0.005 inch may create
a

bind
in the
tilt mechanism.
If
one pin

presses
in
before
the
other, place
a

spacer washer over the head
of
the pin

that has already positioned
to
prevent

over pressing while still pressing
the

other one into position.

5.
Move
the
tilt mechanism
to the

uppermost position
and
remove
the

vise grip pliers
to
lock
it in
place.

6. Position
the
release spring
rod

and hold
it
up
as
high
as
possible with

vise grip pliers. Place
the
spring
and

cover
in
place
on the
upper flange.

Compress
the
spring
and
install
the

retainer. Remove the vise grip pliers.

7.
Depress
the
column release lever

with pliers
and
place
the
tilt mecha-

nism
in the
center position.

8. Position
the
turn signal switch

and install
the
two attaching screws.

9. Pull
the
wires into place and
in-

stall
the
plastic retaining clip.

10.
Slide the lower cover into place.

Tighten
the
screw attaching the lower

cover
to the
column. Make sure
the

rotating socket casting does
not rub

on
the
lower cover.
(On
Ford
and

Mercury models, replace
the
shroud.)

11.
Position the upper cover
on the
column
and
install
the
two attaching

screws.

12.
Install
the
combination turn

signal
and
tilt mechanism lever.

13.
Install
the
steering v/heel
and

the crash pad.

14.
Connect
the
negative cable
to

the battery. Check the turn signal and

tilt mechanism
for
proper operation.

BEARING OUTER

RACE

SLOT

G 1448-A

FIG. 5—Removing Ball Bearingsprocarmanuals.com

03-05-08
Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-08

tube.
In some instances the column

will shift into proper alignment when

the toe plate attaching nuts are loos-

ened. (Alignment is acceptable if a

.010 inch feeler blade can be passed

freely, completely around the area be-

tween the outer diameter of the steer-

ing shaft and the shift tube.) if the

misalignment condition can be attrib-

uted to this area, file or ream the dash

panel holes for greater clearance. If

the alignment is maintained after the

toe plate nuts and toe plate to column

clamp bolt and nut are torqued to the

8-12 ft-lb specification, no further ad-

justment is necessary.

4.
Remove instrument panel lower

trim panel. Vehicles equipped with a

combination radio stereo tape player

will require removal of the radio and

tape player assembly in order to gain

access to the upper R.H. steering col-

umn support bracket bolt.

5.
Loosen the seven bolts at the

steering column support bracket and

brake pedal support bracket.
6. Install a 3/16 inch diameter rod

spacer in the flex coupling to assure

proper clearance between upper and

lower steering shaft.

7.
Raise the vehicle, remove the

transmission splash shield, and visual-

ly align the column to center the

steering shaft in the column. Tighten

two toe plate attaching nuts sufficient-

ly to hold the column alignment (two

persons may be required for this oper-

ation).

8. Lower the vehicle.

9. Check the clearance between the

steering column support bracket and

the instrument panel bracket. It may

be necessary to add shims (Part Num-

ber MK-3054-A .060 inch thick, or

C3AZ-3054-A, .113 inch thick) be-

tween the support bracket and the in-

strument panel bracket to prevent

movement of the column when the

support bracket bolts are tightened.

10.
Loosen the two toe plate at-

taching nuts previously tightened. Re-

check steering column alignment. In
some instances it may be necessary to

enlarge the holes in the dash panel in

order to obtain proper column align-

ment.

11.
With the column properly al-

igned, torque the four toe plate at-

taching nuts to 4-9 ft-lbs.

12.
Torque the toe plate to steering

column clamp bolt to 3-5 ft-lbs.

13.
Recheck steering shaft to shift

tube alignment. A 0.10 inch feeler

blade should pass freely, completely

around the area between the outer di-

ameter of the steering shaft and shift-

er tube.

14.
Raise the vehicle.

15.
Adjust transmission shift link-

age.

16.
Install transmission splash

shield.

17.
Lower the vehicle.

18.
Install the radio stereo tape

player if so equipped.

19.
Install instrument panel lower

trim panel.

20.
Connect the battery.

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

STEERING COLUMN

FORD, MERCURY, METEOR

Removal

1.
Disconnect the battery cable

from the negative post.

2.
Disconnect the turn signal switch

wires at the connector.

3.
Disconnect the neutral start

switch and back-up light switch wires

from the switches.

4.
Disconnect the transmission con-

trol rod(s) from the lever(s) at the

lower end of the column.

5.
Remove the bolt that secures the

flex coupling to the steering gear.

6. Remove the nuts that secure the

column retainer and seal at the toe

plate (Fig. 11).

7.
Ford, Meteor: Remove the two

screws that secure the lower trim

shroud to the upper trim shroud. Re-

move the two shrouds.

Mercury: Remove the two screws

that secure the lower trim shroud to

the upper trim shroud. Remove the

top shroud Disconnect the ignition

switch light bulb. Remove the ignition

and light switch bezels and spring clip

and remove the lower shroud. Discon-
nect the light switch electrical connec-

tor block.

8. Remove the two screws that se-

cure the intermediate bracket to the

column lower bracket.

9. While supporting the steering

column, remove the two nuts that se-

cure the column lower bracket to the

instrument panel. Remove the brack-

ets.

10.
Lift the steering column and

wheel from the vehicle.

Installation

1.
Position the steering column in

the vehicle. Index the block tooth on

the steering gear shaft with the corre-

sponding slot on the flex coupling. In-

stall and tighten the flex coupling-

to-steering gear attaching bolt.

2.
Place the column upper bracket

and column lower bracket in position

on the column and install but do not

tighten the four attaching nuts.

3.
Install and tighten the two nuts

that secure the column lower bracket

to the instrument panel. Make certain

the column is properly positioned rela-

tive to the flex coupling input shaft

connection.

4.
Install and tighten the screws

that secure the intermediate bracket to

the column lower bracket.
5.
Tighten the four attaching nuts

at the upper and lower brackets and

the two nuts at the upper bracket to

instrument panel. The dial pointer (if

so equipped) should be adjusted to

coincide with the selector lever.

6. Install and tighten the nuts and

bolts that secure the column retainer

and seal at the toe plate. Make sure

the steering shaft is centered in the

column before tightening the nuts.

7.
Ford, Meteor: Install and tighten

the two screws that secure the lower

trim shroud to the upper trim shroud.

Mercury: Connect the light switch

harness block. Install the ignition and

light switch bezels. Connect the igni-

tion switch light bulb. Install the top

shroud and the two screws that secure

the lower trim shroud to the upper

shroud.

8. Connect the transmission control

rod(s) to the lever(s) at the lower end

of the column.

9. Connect the neutral start switch

and back-up light switch to their re-

spective terminals.

10.
Connect the turn signal switch

wires.

11.
Connect the negative battery

cable to the battery.

12.
Check the operation of the

steering tilt mechanism if so equipped

and the switches.procarmanuals.com

03-05-09

Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-09

FAIRLANE, FALCON

AND MONTEGO

Removal

1.
Disconnect the battery cable

from the negative post.

2.
Disconnect the turn signal switch

wires at the connector.

3.
Disconnect the neutral start

siwtch (with automatic transmission)

and back-up light switch wires from

the switches.

4.
Disconnect the transmission con-

trol rod(s) from the lever(s) at the

lower end of the column.

5.
Remove the bolt that secures the

flex coupling to the steering gear (Fig.

12).
6. Remove the nuts and bolts that

secure the column retainer and seal at

the toe plate.

7.
Disconnect the nuts that secure

the column upper and lower brackets

to the brake pedal support bracket

and the dash panel.

8. Lift the column from the vehicle.

Installation

1.
Position the steering column in

the vehicle. Make sure that the wheels

are in the straight ahead position and

that the steering wheel spokes are in a

horizontal position when the flex cou-

pling engages the input shaft splines.

2.
Install but do not tighten the

nuts that secure the column upper and

lower brackets to the brake pedal sup-
port bracket and the dash panel.

Make certain the column is properly

positioned relative to the flex coupling

inpui shaft connection.

3.
Install and tighten the flex cou-

pling-to-steering gear attaching bolt.

4.
Tighten the nuts at the brake

pedal support bracket and the dash

panel.

5.
Install and tighten the nuts and

bolts that secure the column retainer

and seal at the toe plate.

6. Connect the transmission control

rod(s) to the lever(s) at the lower end

of the column.

7.
Connect the neutral start switch

(if so equipped) and back-up light

switch to their respective terminals.

8. Connect the turn signal switch

wires.

COLUMN UPPER \

BRACKET-3506 V

BRAKE PEDAL

SUPPORT BRACKET

TRIMSHROUD-3530

UPPER CLAMP-3507,

COLUMN LOWER

BRACKET-3R547

•
FLEXCOUPLING-3A525
^INTERMEDIATE

BRACKET-3676

VIEW AA

G1616-A

FIG. 11—Steering Column Installation—Ford, Mercury, Meteorprocarmanuals.com

03-05-14
Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-14

8. Connect the turn signal and

emergency flasher switch wires at the

multiple connectors. Connect the wires

to the neutral start switch. Adjust-

ments for the neutral start switch are

detailed in Group 7 of this manual.

9. Connect the tilt-column control

cable to the release cable retainer and

vacuum motor (if so equipped). To re-

move cable slack, loosen the bracket

attaching screw and pull it slightly

toward the column, then tighten the

screw. If difficulty in adjusting this

control is experienced, the retainer

slot may be filed to gain additional

travel.

10.
Install the instrument panel

steering column plate and cover and

the instrument panel lower outer fin-

ish panel.

11.
Connect the negative cable to

the battery.

12.
Start the engine and check the

operation of the steering column and

switches.

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Removal

1.
Disconnect the battery.

2.
Disconnect the rod from the
lever at the lower end of the selector

tube.

Loosen the clamp bolt that locks

the flexible coupling to the steering

shaft.

3.
Working from the underside of

the steering wheel spoke, remove the

two screws that secure the crash pad.

Remove the pad. Do not use a ham-

mer or knock-off type wheel puller.

Striking the puller or shaft may cause

damage to the bearings and/or col-

lapsible column. Remove the steering

wheel as shown in Fig. 15.

4.
Remove the instrument panel

steering column finish plate.

5.
Remove the four screws that at-

tach the lower retainer to the dash

panel.

6. Disconnect the turn signal switch

and emergency flasher wires at the

connectors. Disconnect the wires from

the neutral start switch.

7.
While supporting the steering

column, remove the bolts that attach

the lower clamp to the upper bracket

(Fig. 15). Lift the column from the ve-

hicle.

Installation

1.
Position the column in the vehi-
cle,
making sure that the steering

shaft engages the flex coupling.

2.
Install the column retainer-

to-dash panel attaching screws, but do

not tighten them.

3.
Install the lower clamp and the

attaching nuts. Tighten the nuts fing-

ertight.

4.
Move the lower flange as re-

quired to center the steering shaft in

the tube. Aligning procedures are de-

tailed in Part 3-1. Tighten the lower

flange attaching nuts when the shaft is

centered.

5.
Connect the shift rod to the shift

lever at the lower end of the column.

6. Install and tighten the flex cou-

pling attaching bolt.

7.
Tighten the instrument panel-

to-clamp attaching nuts.

8. Connect the turn signal and

emergency flasher switch wirss at the

multiple connectors. Connect the wires

to the neutral start switch. Adjust-

ments for the neutral start switch are

detailed in Group 7 of this manual.

9. Install the instrument panel

steering column finish plate.

10.
Install the steering wheel and

crash pad.

MAJOR REPAIR OPERATIONS

STEERING COLUMN

SHIFT TUBE REPLACEMENT

STATIONARY COLUMN

WITH STANDARD

TRANSMISSION

Removal

1.
Working from the underside of

the steering wheel spoke, remove the

two screws that secure the crash pad.

Remove the pad. (On Continental

Mark III models, pry out the crash

pad insert and remove the two screws

that secure the crash pad. Remove the

crash pad. On models equipped with

steering wheel mounted speed con-

trols,
refer to Group 16 for removal

instructions).

2.
Remove the steering wheel from

the steering shaft with tool T67L-

3600-A (Fig. 1). Then, remove the

tool from the steering wheel. Do not

use a knock-off type steering Wheel

puller or strike the end of the steering

shaft with a hammer. Striking the

puller or shaft will damage the bear-
ing or the collapsible column.

3.
Remove the steering column

from the vehicle.

4.
Remove the selector lever from

the hub (Fig. 16).

5.
Remove the bearing upper snap

ring. It may be necessary to pull the

turn signal switch out to remove the

snap ring.

6. Remove the screws that attach

the shift tube bearing, shift arms, and

shift tube to the lower end of the

steering column.

7.
Slip the shift tube and steering

shaft from the lower end of the steer-

ing column tube. The upper bearing

has a slight press fit on the steering

shaft.

8. Remove the C-washer from the

upper end of the steering shaft, and

pull the shift tube from the steering

shaft.

9. Remove the shift tube bearing

from the lower end of the tube

Installation

1.
Position the shift tube bearing
(Fig. 16) on the tube and insert the

steering shaft in the shift tube.

2.
Install the C-washer on the

upper end of the steering shaft.

3.
Insert the shift tube and steering

shaft into the steerint column tube

and install the three attaching screws

at the lower end of the steering col-

umn tube.

4.
Position the bearing and insula-

tor on the shaft if it was disturbed

during removal. Work it down onto

the shaft as far as possible, then place

a piece of 3/4 ID x 2 1/8 inch pipe

over the end of shaft and install the

steering wheel attaching nut (Fig. 2).

5.
Tighten the nut until the bearing

is seated in the flange, then remove

the nut and pipe from the shaft.

6. Position the turn signal switch

on the flange and install the three at-

taching screws. Install the upper snap

ring.

7.
Install the selector lever and the

turn signal lever in the column.

8. Adjust and install the neutral

start switch as detailed in Group 7.

9. Install the steering column in the

vehicle.procarmanuals.com

03-06-03
Manual Steering

03-06-03

MAJOR REPAIR OPERATIONS

STEERING GEAR

DISASSEMBLY

1. Rotate the steering shaft 3 turns

from either stop.

2.
After removing the sector adjust-

ing screw locknut and the housing

cover bolts (Fig. 6), remove the sector

shaft with the cover. Remove the

cover from the shaft by turning the

screw clockwise. Keep the shim with

the screw.

HOUSING
•
3548
6. Turn the ball nut over, and ro-

tate the worm shaft from side to side

until all 50 balls have dropped out of

the nut into a clean pan. With the

balls removed, the ball nut will slide

off the worm.

7. Remove the upper bearing cup

from the bearing adjuster and the

lower cup from the housing. It may be

necessary to tap the housing or the

adjuster on a block of wood to jar the

bearing cups loose.

8. If the preliminary inspection

GASKET
• 3581

SHIM-3A657 COVER
AND

BUSHING
•
3583

SECTOR SHAFT

ADJUSTING SCREW
.
3577

•BEARING-3576

SEAL
- 3591

G 1623-A

FIG. 6—Sector Shaft
and
Housing Disassembled

-^-HOUSING-3548

BEARING
CUP •
3552

BALL
NUT

BEARING-3571

FILLER PLUG-3556
LOCK NUT-3707

3524 BEARING
CUP \
SEAL-3738

•GUIDE -3523

• BEARINGS
•
3647

.CLAMP-3544
BEARING
• 3571

G 1624-A

FIG. 7—Steering Shaft
and
Related Parts Disassembled

3.
Loosen the worm bearing adjust-

er nut, and remove the adjuster as-

sembly and the steering shaft upper

bearing (Fig. 7).

4.
Carefully pull the steering shaft

and ball nut from the housing, and i •-

move the steering shaft lower bearr g.

To avoid possible damage to the ball

return guides, keep
the
ball
nut
from

running down
to
either
end of the

worm.

Disassemble
the
ball only
if
there
is

indication
of
binding
or
tightness.

5.
Remove the ball return guide

clamp and the ball return guides from

the ball
nut.
Keep
the
ball
nut
clamp-

side up until ready to remove the

balls.
shows damage, press the sector shaft

bearing and the oil seal from the

housing (Fig. 8).

ASSEMBLY

1. If the sector shaft bearing and

oil seal have been removed, press a

new bearing into the housing and in-

stall a new oil seal. Do not clean,

wash or soak seals in cleaning solvent

(Fig.
7).
Apply
the
recommended

steering gear lubricant
to the
bearing

and seals.

2.
Install a bearing cup in the lower

end of the housing and in the adjuster.

3.
If the seal in the bearing adjuster

was removed, install a new seal.
Tool
-
T62F
•
3576
- A

G 1622-A

FIG.
8—Removing
Oil
Seal

and Bearing

4.
Insert the ball guides into the

holes of the ball nut, tapping them

lightly with a wood handle of a screw

driver if necessary to seat them.

5.
Insert 25 balls into the hole in

the top of each ball guide. It may be

necessary to rotate the shafi: slightly

one way, then in the opposite direc-

tion to distribute the balls in the cir-

cuit.

6. After the 50 balls are installed,

install the ball guide clamp. Torque

the screws to specification. Check the

worm shaft to make sure that it ro-

tates freely.

7. Coat the threads of the steering

shaft bearing adjuster, the housing

cover bolts, and the sector adjusting

screw with a suitable oil-resisi:ant seal-

ing compound. Do not apply sealer to

female threads and especially avoid

getting any sealer on the steering shaft

bearings.

8.
Coat the worm bearings, sector

shaft bearings, and gear teeth with

steering gear lubricant.

9. Clamp the housing in a vise, with

the sector shaft axis horizontal, and

position the steering shaft lower bear-

ing in its cup.

10.
Position the steering shaft and

ball nut assemblies in the housing.

11.
Position the steering shaft

upper bearing on the top of the worm,

and install the steering shaft bearingprocarmanuals.com