steering FORD MUSTANG 1969 Volume One Chassis

03-02-21
Suspension

03-02-21

8. 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 stud nuts.

9. Turn the wrench until both studs

are under tension, and then, tap the

spindle with a hammer near the studs

to loosen them from the spindle. Do

not loosen
the
studs with tool pressure

alone.

10.
Place a jack under the outer

end of the lower arm, and raise the

arm several inches. Remove both ball

stud nuts, and remove t^e spindle.

Installation

1.
Position the new spindle onto the

upper and lower ball joint studs, in-

stall the stud nuts and tighten the nuts

to specifications. Continue to tighten

both nuts until the cotter pin holes

line up with the slots, then install new

cotter pines.

2.
Connect the spindle connecting

rod to the spindle arm. Install the re-

taining nut and tighten the nut to

specification. Continue to tighten the

nut until the cotter pin hole lines up

with the slot, then install a new cotter

pin.

3.
Install the gasket and splash

shield on the spindle. Tighten the at-

taching bolts to specifications.

4.
Install the hub and rotor on the

spindle.

5.
Install the caliper to the spindle

and tighten the attaching bolts to spe-

cifications. Check for the correct flex-

ible hose routing (Part 2-2).

6. Install the wheel and tire and ad-

just the wheel bearings (Part 3-12).

7.
Lubricate the steering stop on

the lower arm and the mating flat on

the spindle with the specified lubri-

cant.

8. Remove the safety stands, lower

the car and check camber, caster and

toe-in.

FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER

REPLACEMENT

FORD, MERCURY,

METEOR, THUNDERBIRD,

CONTINENTAL MARK III

1.
Remove the nut, washer, and

bushing from the shock absorber

upper end.

2.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist and

install safety stands.
3.
Remove 2 bolts attaching the

shock absorber to the lower arm and

remove the shock absorber.

4.
Place a washer and bushing on

the shock absorber top stud and posi-

tion the shock absorber inside the

front spring. Install the 2 lower at-

taching bolts and torque them to spe-

cifications.

5.
Remove the safety stands and

lower the vehicle.

6. Place a bushing and washer on

the shock absorber top stud and in-

stall the attaching nut. Torque it to

specification.

COUGAR, FAIRLANE,

FALCON, MONTEGO,

MUSTANG

Removal

1. Raise the hood and remove 3

shock absorber upper mounting

bracket-to-spring tower attaching

nuts.

2.
Raise the front of the vehicle and

place safety stands under the lower

arms.

3.
Remove 2 shock absorber lower

attaching nuts and washers.

4.
Lift the shock absorber and

upper bracket from the spring tower

(Fig. 26) and remove the bracket from

the shock absorber.

Installation

1. Install the upper mounting

bracket on the shock absorber and

torque to specification.

2.
Position the shock absorber and

upper mounting bracket in the spring

tower, making sure the shock absor-

ber lower studs are in the pivot plate

holes.

3.
Install the 2 washers and attach-

ing nuts on the shock absorber lower

studs and torque to specification.

4.
Install the 3 shock absorber

upper mounting bracket-to-spring

tower attaching nuts and torque to

specification. Then, remove the safety

stands and lower the vehicle.

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Removal

1.
Remove the stud nut at the

upper eye of the shock absorber. Re-

move the upper eye stud bracket to

crossmember attaching bolt and re-

move the stud bracket. Refer to Fig.

22.
2.
Remove the bolts which attach

the shock absorber to the suspension

lower arm. Lower, and remove the

shock absorber.

3.
Examine the shock absorber unit

and rubber bushings. Replace parts

that are defective, deteriorated, or

worn.

Installation

1. Fully extend the shock absorber

and position it inside the coil spring.

Connect the lower end of the shock

absorber to the suspension lower arm.

Torque the attaching nuts to specifica-

tion.

2.
Insert the upper bracket stud

through the bushing in the shock ab-

sorber upper eye. Install the stud

bracket to crossmember attaching

bolt. Do not tighten the bolt: at this

time.

3.
Install the upper eye bracket

stud nut. Torque the nut to specifica-

tion.

4.
Torque the stud bracket- to-

crossmember attaching bolt to specifi-

cation.
The
shock absorber upper
eye

stud
nut
must
be
tightened
to com-

press
the
rubber bushing before
the

stud bracket
is
bolted
to the

crossmember;
otherwise,
the
upper
at-

tachment could
be
loose
and
noisy.

REAR SHOCK ABSORBER

REPLACEMENT

FORD, MERCURY,

METEOR, THUNDERBIRD,

CONTINENTAL MARK 1(11

1.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2.
Remove the shock absorber at-

taching nut, washer and insulator

from the upper stud at the upper side

of the spring upper seat. Compress the

shock absorber to clear the hole in the

spring seat, and remove the inner in-

sulator and washer from the upper at-

taching stud.

3.
Remove the self-locking attach-

ing nut, and disconnect the shock ab-

sorber lower stud from the mounting

bracket on the rear axle housing (Fig.

4).

4.
Expel all air by performing step

3 On Vehicle Tests in Part 3-1.

5.
Place the inner washer and insu-

lator on the upper attaching stud, and

position the shock absorber so that

the upper attaching stud enters the

hole in the spring upper seat. While

holding the shock absorber in this po-

sition, install the outer insulator andprocarmanuals.com

03-05-01
Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-01

PART 3-5 Steering
Columns
and Linkage

COMPONENT INDEX

ADJUSTING SLEEVE (LINKAGE)

Removal and Installation

CENTER LINK (LINKAGE)

Removal and Installation

LOCKING LEVER (TILT-AWAY COLUMN)

Removal and Installation

PITMAN ARM (LINKAGE)

Removal and Installation

SPINDLE CONNECTING ROD ASSEMBLY

(Inner and Outer Ends)

Removal and Installation

STATIONARY STEERING COLUMNS

Description

STEERING COLUMN

Alignment

Removal and Installation

STEERING COLUMN SHIFT TUBE

Removal and Installation

STEERING COLUMN UPPER BEARING

Removal and Installation

STEERING IDLER ARM AND BRACKET

ASSEMBLY

Removal and Installation

STEERING WHEEL

Removal and Installation

Spoke Position Adjustment

TILT-AWAY STEERING COLUMN

Description

TILT STEERING COLUMN

Description

TILT WHEEL STEERING COLUMN

STEERING SHAFT

Removal and Installation

VACUUM MOTOR (TILT-AWAY COLUMN)

Removal and Installation

VACUUM RELEASE VALVE (TILT-AWAY

COLUMN)

Removal and Installation
MODEL APPLICATION
All
Models

05-19

05-20

05-20

05-01

05-14

05-02

05-20

05-02

05-02
Ford
N/A

05-19

N/A

05-08

N/A

05-01

05-16

N/A

N/A
Mercury
N/A

05-19

N/A

05-08

N/A

05-01

05-16

N/A

N/A
Meteor
N/A

05-19

N/A

05-08

N/A

05-01

05-16

N/A

N/A
Cougar
05-06

05-19

N/A

05-10

05-02

N/A

N/A

05-05

05-05
Fairlane
N/A

05-19

N/A

05-09

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
Falcon
N/A

05-19

N/A

05-09

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
Montego
N/A

05-19

N/A

05-09

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
Mustang
05-06

05-19

N/A

05-10

05-02

N/A

N/A

05-05

05-05
Lincoln-
Continental
N/A

05-19

05-06

05-11

N/A

05-01

05-16

N/A

N/A
Thunderbird
05-06

05-19

05-07

05-14

05-02

N/A

N/A

05-05

05-05
Continental-
Mark
III
N/A

05-19

05-06

05-11

N/A

05-01

05-16

N/A

N/A

A page number indicates that the item is for the vehicle listed at the head of the column.

N/A indicates that the item is not applicable to the vehicle listed.

1 DESCRIPTION

STATIONARY STEERING COLUMNS

The steering column is of the col-

lapsible type to lessen the possibility

of injury to the driver of the vehicle

should he become involved in an acci-
dent. The lower end of the steering

column tube at the bellows area will

collapse approximately six inches

upon a hard impact.

The shift tube and the steering shaft

are provided with plastic dowels and
will shear and allow them to collapse

in proportion to the outer tube upon

impact.

Once the steering column has been

collapsed, a complete new column

must be installed with new brackets
procarmanuals.com

03-05-02
Steering Columns
And
Linkage

03-05-02

which also will shear away during
im-

pact.

TILT STEERING COLUMNS

The steering column
is of the col-

lapsible type
to
lessen
the
possibility

of injury
to the
driver
of the
vehicle

should
he
become involved
in an
acci-

dent.
The
lower
end of the
steering

column tube
at the
bellows area will

collapse approximately
six
inches

upon
a
hard impact.

The shift tube
and the
steering shaft

are provided with plastic dowels
and

will shear
and
allow them
to
collapse

in proportion
to the
outer tube upon

impact.

Once
the
steering column
has
been

collapsed,
a
complete
new
column
must
be
installed.

The tilt column features nine driv-

ing positions (four
up and
four down

from
a
center position).
The
.column

also features
a
turn signal switch with

a lane-changer position turn indicating

position
and
emergency warning flash-

er control.

TILT-AWAY STEERING COLUMNS

The tilt-away steering column
fea-

tures nine driving positions (four
up

and four down from
a
center position)

and
a
tilt-away position that
is
auto-

matically accomplished
on
Mustang

and Cougar models when
the
ignition

key
is
turned
to the
OFF
position
and

the left door
is
opened.
On
Thunder-

bird models,
the
tilt-away occurs when
the shift lever
is
placed
in
PARK
and

the driverns door
is
opened.

The steering column
is of the col-

lapsible type
to
lessen
the
possibility

of injury
to the
driver
of the
vehicle

should
he
become involved
in an
acci-

dent.
The
lower
end of the
steering

column tube
at the
bellows area will

collapse approximately
six
inches

upon
a
hard impact.

The shift tube
and the
steering shaft

are provided with plastic dowels
and

will shear
and
allow them
to
collapse

in proportion
to the
outer tube upon

impact.

Once
the
steering column
has
been

collapsed,
a
complete
new
column

must
be
installed along with mounting

brackets which will also shear away

during impact.

IN-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENTS
AND
REPAIRS

STEERING WHEEL SPOKE

POSITION ADJUSTMENT

When
the
steering gear
is on the

high point,
the
front wheels should
be

in
the
straight-ahead position
and the

steering wheel spokes should
be in

their normal position with
the
Pitman

arm pointing directly forward.
If the

spokes
are not in
their normal posi-

tion, they
can be
adjusted without
dis-

turbing
the
toe-in adjustment (Part

3-1).

STEERING WHEEL

REPLACEMENT

1.
Disconnect
the
negative cable

from
the
battery.

2.
Working from
the
underside
of

the steering wheel spoke, remove
the

crash
pad
attaching screws. Lift
the

crash
pad
from
the
wheel.
(On
Conti-

nental Mark
III
models,
pry out the

crash
pad
insert
and
remove
the two

screws that secure
the
crash
pad. Re-

move
the
crash
pad. On
models

equipped with steering wheel mounted

speed controls, refer
to
Group
16 for

removal instructions). Remove
the

horn ring
(if so
equipped)
by
turning

it counterclockwise.

3.
Remove
the
steering wheel
nut,

and then remove
the
steering wheel

with tool T67L-3600-A
(Fig. 1). 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.

4.
Transfer
all
serviceable parts
to

the
new
steering wheel.

5.
Position
the
steering wheel
on

the shaft
so
that
the
alignment mark
on
the hub of the
wheel
is
adjacent
to

the
one on the
shaft. Install
a new

locknut
and
torque
it to
specifications.

6. Install
the
horn ring
(if so

equipped)
and
crash
pad.

STEERING COLUMN UPPER

BEARING REPLACEMENT

STATIONARY COLUMNS

Removal

1. Disconnect
the
horn wire
and the

turn indicator wires
at the
connector.

2.
Working from
the
underside
of

the steering wheel spoke, remove
the

two crash
pad
attaching screws. Lift

the crash
pad
from
the
wheel.
(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 controls, refer
to
Group
16 for

7oo/-T67L-3600-A
removal instructions). Remove
the

horn ring
(if so
equipped)
by
turning

it counterclockwise.

3.
Remove
the
steering wheel
at-

taching
nut.
Remove
the
steering

wheel using tool T67L-3600-A
(Fig.

1).
Do not use a
knock-off type steer-

ing wheel puller
or
strike
the end of

the steering shaft with
a
hammer.

Striking
the
puller
or
shaft will
dam-

age
the
bearing
or the
collapsible
col-

umn.

4.
Remove
the
turn indicator lever.

5.
Remove
the
turn signal switch

attaching screws. Lift
the
switch over

the
end of the
steering shaft
and
place

it
to one
side.

6. Remove
the
snap ring from
the

top
of the
steering shaft.

7.
Loosen
the two
flange-to-steering

column tube attaching bolts
to
disen-

gage them from
the
tube.

8. Raise
the
flange upward while

BEARING
AND

INSULATOR

Spacer

G 1502 -B

FIG.
1—Removing
Steering Wheel
G 1497-A

FIG. 2—Installing Upper Bearingprocarmanuals.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

03-05-05
Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-05

TILT-AWAY STEERING

COLUMN REPAIRS

VACUUM RELEASE VALVE-

COUGAR AND MUSTANG

Removal

1.
Working from the underside of

the instrument panel disconnect the

hose from the valve.

2.
Disconnect the wire from the

connector on the valve and the con-

nector from the relay.

3.
Remove the bracket-

to-instrument panel attaching bolt and

let the bracket swing down.

4.
Remove the two screws that se-

cure the valve to the mounting bracket

and remove the valve.

Installation

1.
Secure the valve to the mounting

bracket with the two attaching screws.

2.
Position the bracket to the in-

strument panel and install the attach-

ing bolt.

3.
Connect the wire to the terminal

on the valve.

4.
Connect the hose from the vacu-

um motor to the horizontal connector

on the valve and the hose from the

reservoir to the vertical connector.

VACUUM RELEASE VALVE—

THUNDERBIRD

Removal

1.
Remove the lower finish panel.

2.
Disconnect the vacuum hose

from the vacuum release valve.

3.
Disconnect the vacuum release

valve electrical leads at the connector.

4.
Loosen the two attaching screws

holding the bracket to the dash. Lift

up the bracket to clear the screws and

swing it down below the panel.

5.
Remove the screws attaching the

valve to the panel and remove the

valve.

Installation

1.
Position the vacuum release

valve on the bracket.

2.
Install the two attaching screws

and swing the bracket up and over the

screws. Tighten the screws.

3.
Connect the electrical leads to

the wiring harness.
4.
Connect the hose from the vacu-

um dash panel junction block to the

connector on the vacuum release valve

that points downward and forward.

Connect the hose from the vacuum

motor to the other connector on the

release valve.

5.
Install the lower finish panel.

VACUUM MOTOR-

COUGAR AND MUSTANG

Removal

1.
Working from the underside of

the instrument panel, disconnect the

hose to the valve and the wires to the

relay and valve.

2.
Remove the bracket-

to-instrument panel attaching bolt and

swing the bracket downward.

3.
Remove the clevis pin that se-

cures the cable to the vacuum motor

rod.

4.
Disconnect the starter safety

switch wire at the connector.

5.
Remove the two motor-

to-bracket attaching screws and re-

move the motor, disconnecting the

hose to the solenoid.

Installation

1.
Position the motor on the
mounting bracket and the attaching

screws.

2.
Connect the control cable to the

vacuum motor rod with the clevis pin.

3.
Position the bracket to the in-

strument panel and install the attach-

ing bolt. Make all electrical and vacu-

um connections.

4.
Readjust the cable bracket to as-

sure full engagement of the locking

pawl when in driving position.

5.
Connect the hose to the vacuum

motor.

VACUUM MOTOR—

THUNDERBIRD

Removal

1.
Remove the lower finish panel.

2.
Disconnect the vacuum hose

from the solenoid valve. Disconnect

the electrical lead.

3.
Loosen the screws that attach

the bracket to the dash and lift the

bracket up; then, swing it down.

4.
Remove the clevis pin holding

the motor to the cable.

5.
Remove the two attaching

screws, then lift the motor from the

bracket.

C-CLAMP

PIVOT PIN

G 1462-A

FIG. 6—Installing Pivot Pinsprocarmanuals.com

03-05-06
Steering Columns And Linkage

03-05-06

Installation.

1.
Position the vacuum motor on

the bracket. Tighten the two attaching

screws.

2.
Connect the cable to the motor

with the clevis pin. Adjust the cable

bracket so the motor rod is fully ex-

tended, but not tight.

3.
Slide the vacuum motor as re-

quired to align the locking pawl rod

and vacuum motor. Retighten the two

vacuum motor attaching screws.

4.
Connect the vacuum hose to the

vacuum motor.

5.
Install the lower finish panel.

LOCKING LEVER

REPLACEMENT

Removal

1.
Remove the upper flange and

bearings from the column.

2.
Insert a 3
1/8-inch
bolt between

the lower ends of the locking levers

(Fig. 7) to relieve the tension from the

column release lever.

3.
Place the flange in a vise as

shown (Fig. 7) and remove the two re-

tainers with a screwdriver.

4.
Lift the column release lever

from the flange.

5.
Drive the locking lever retaining

pins from the flange with a small

drift.

6. Release the vise slowly to pre-

vent the levers from flying out.

LEVER RETAINING

PINS

3-1/8'
7.
Remove the levers, spring caps

and springs from the flange.

Installation

1.
Make sure that the rubber insu-

lators are in place in the upper flange.

2.
Position the springs, spring caps

and locking levers in the upper flange.

3.
Place the assembly in a vise and

compress the springs. Install new lever

retaining pins in the upper flange. The

pins should protrude from the sides of

the flange by .03 to .09 inch.

4.
Install a 3
1/8-inch
bolt between

the lower ends of the locking levers as

shown in Fig. 7.

5.
Make sure that the column re-

lease lever stop and spring is in place

in the upper flange, then position the

column release lever on the flange. In-

stall the two retainers.

6. Remove the 3
1/8-inch
bolt from

between the levers.

7.
Install the upper flange and

bearings in the steering column.

STEERING COLUMN

ALIGNMENT

THUNDERBIRD AND

CONTINENTAL MARK III

A condition of high shift or steering
efforts may be experienced caused by

improper alignment of the energy ab-

sorbing steering column. The fol-

lowing procedures outline the steps

necessary to correctly re-align either

fixed or tilt columns.

It is recommended that before at-

tempting realignment, the toe plate

(column retainer) to dash panel fas-

tener holes be inspected for a binding

or misaligned condition.

If the conditions described above

could be attributed to this area, file or

ream the dash panel holes for greater

clearance.

The column alignment procedures:

1.
Loosen the nuts retaining the toe

plate (column retainer) to the dash

panel (B in Fig. 8).

2.
Loosen to fingertight the bolt

and nut located on the toe plate re-

taining clamp (C in Fig. 8).

3.
Remove trim at instrument panel

to steering column mounting to ex-

pose retaining bolts.

4.
Loosen to fingertight {.he bolts

that support the column and bracket

against the instrument panel (D in

Fig. 8).

5.
Loosen to fingertight the bolts or

nuts which retain the column brackets

to the brake pedal support bracket

(E).

6. Loosen to fingertight the bolt

which controls lateral adjustment of

RETAINER

B

c

D

E

F
TORQUE VALUE

8-12 FT. LB.

3-5 FT. LB.

7.12 FT. LB.

7.12 FT. LB.

28-42 FT. LB.

G1536-A

FIG. 7—Removing or Installing

Locking Levers
FIG. 8—Steering Column Alignment Locations and Torque Specificationsprocarmanuals.com

03-05-07

Steering Columns And Linkage
03-05-07

the steering column
(F in Fig. 8).

7.
Disconnect
the
transmission shift

rod
at the
shift tube.

8. Working under
the
hood, install

the aligning spacer (Fig.
9)
around
the

visible portion
of the
steering shaft

and slide
it up the
shaft into
the
steer-

ing column.
It may be
necessary
to

move
the
shaft back
and
forth
to
com-

pletely install
the
spacer.

9.
At
this point
the
steering column

assembly, being loose,
may
have

dropped toward
the
steering gear

grounding
the
steering shaft
on the

steering gear input shaft.
To
properly

establish
the
steering shaft
to
steering

gear clearance, insert
a 1/8
diameter

rod
or
drill through
the
opening
in the

upper half
of the
flex coupling.

10.
Tighten
to a
snug
fit
(approxi-

mately
2-3
ft-lb)
the
nuts retaining
the

toe plates
to the
dash panel
(B in Fig.

8).

11.
If the
aligning spacer cannot
be

rotated freely,
the
dash panel holes

must
be
filed
or
reamed
for
greater

travel
(as
mentioned
in the
second

paragraph
at the
beginning
of
this

procedure).

12.
Tighten
all
nuts
and
bolts

(noted
as C, D and E in
Fig.
8) in the

passenger compartment
to a
snug
fit

(approximately 2-3 ft-lb). Again check

aligning spacer
for
looseness. Perform

these tightening operations
in
alpha-

betical order.

13.
Tighten
the
lateral adjustment

bolt
(F in Fig. 8) to
snug
fit.
Again

check
the
aligning spacer
for
loose-

ness.

14.
Tighten
all
bolts and nuts
to the

proper torque value (listed
in Fig. 8)

in alphabetical order.

15.
Remove
the
steering shaft
al-

igning spacer.

16.
Remove
the 1/8
diameter
rod or

drill previously inserted
in the
flex

coupling.

17.
Reinstall
the
trim
at the
instru-

ment panel
to
steering column mount-

ing.

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

If
a
condition
of
high shift
or
steer-

ing effort
is
experienced
it may be

caused
by
improper alignment
of the

energy absorbing steering column.
The

following procedures outline
the
steps

necessary
to
correctly realign either

fixed
or
tilt columns:

1.
Disconnect
the
battery.

2.
Loosen four
toe
plate attaching

nuts (Fig.
10).

3.
Loosen
one toe
plate
to
steering

column clamp bolt
and nut.
Check

alignment
of
steering shaft
to
shift
-HANDLE PORTION

2-3/4"
-*- 3/4"

BEND AROUND

STEERING SHAFT
DIMENSION
A:

STANDARD COLUMN 7/16"

TILT WHEEL COLUMN
1-1/8"

•2-3/4

FABRICATE ALIGNING SPACER OUT OF

PLASTIC SHIPPING COLLAR PROVIDED

ON SERVICE DRIVESHAFTS, OR OUT
OF

1/32"—1/16" CARDBOARD
STEERING SHAFT

ALIGNMENT SPACER-BEND AROUND

STEERING SHAFT (DIMENSION
A)
AND

SLIDE UP THE SHAFT INTO COLUMN

G1537-A

FIG. 9—Aligning Spacer Fabrication
and
Insertion

BRAKE PEDAL

SUPPORT BRACKET

PART

A-TOE PLATE

B-CLAMP

C-C0LUMN BRACKET

D-BRAKE PEDAL

SUPPORT BRACKET
TORQUE VALUE

8-12 FT. LB.

3-5 FT. LB.

10-15
FT.
LB.

8-12 FT. LB.

G1541-A

FIG. 10—Steering Column Alignment Locations
and
Torque

Specifications—Lincoln Continentalprocarmanuals.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