low beam FORD SIERRA 1983 1.G Suspension And Steering Workshop Manual

Front suspension
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Independent by MacPherson struts with coil springs and integral
telescopic shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar fitted to all models
Rear suspension
Type:
Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Independent by semi-trailing arms and coil springs with telescopic
shock absorbers mounted behind coil springs on Saloon and
Hatchback models but concentric with coil springs on Estate models.
Self-levelling rear shock absorbers on certain Estate models. Anti-roll
bar fitted to certain models
P100 models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Live beam axle with leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Steering
Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rack-and-pinion steering gear linked to collapsible steering column by
flexible coupling and universal joint. Power steering available on
certain models
Front wheel alignment*
Production toe-setting:
Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 mm (0.08 in) ± 1.0 mm (0.04 in) toe-in
P100 models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 mm (0.08 in) ± 2.0 mm (0.08 in) toe-in
Service tolerance before adjustment is required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 mm (0.02 in) toe-out to 4.5 mm (0.18 in) toe-in
*Toe-setting figures are quoted for vehicle at kerb weight with 3.0 litres (0.66 gallons) of fuel in tank
Chapter 11
Suspension and steering
Front anti-roll bar - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Front anti-roll bar-to-lower arm compliance bushes - renewal . . . . . .8
Front hub carrier - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Front suspension crossmember - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Front suspension lower arm - removal, overhaul and refitting . . . . . . .3
Front suspension lower arm inner pivot bush - renewal . . . . . . . . . . .9
Front suspension strut - removal, overhaul and refitting . . . . . . . . . . .4
Front wheel - alignment checking and adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Front wheel bearings - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Manual steering gear - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Power steering fluid circuit - bleeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Power steering fluid hoses - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Power steering gear - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Power steering pump - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Rear anti-roll bar (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - removal
and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Rear coil spring (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - removal and
refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Rear shock absorber - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Rear suspension and axle assembly (P100 models) - removal and
refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Rear suspension and final drive unit assembly (Saloon, Hatchback and
Estate models) - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Rear suspension/final drive unit rear mounting (Saloon Hatchback and
Estate models) - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Rear suspension front mounting (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate
models) - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Rear suspension leaf spring (P100 models) - removal and refitting . .19
Rear suspension leaf spring bush (P100 models) - renewal . . . . . . .21
Rear suspension leaf spring shackle (P100 models) - removal and
refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Rear suspension lower arm (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) -
removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Rear wheel bearings - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Steering column adjuster - dismantling and reassembly . . . . . . . . . .25
Steering column - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Steering gear rubber gaiter - renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Steering intermediate shaft and flexible coupling - removal and
refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Steering wheel - centralising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Steering wheel - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Tie-rod end - removal and refitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
11•1
Specifications Contents
11
Easy,suitable for
novice with little
experienceFairly easy,suitable
for beginner with
some experienceFairly difficult,
suitable for competent
DIY mechanic
Difficult,suitable for
experienced DIY
mechanicVery difficult,
suitable for expert
DIY or professional
Degrees of difficulty

Torque wrench settings (continued)Nmlbf ft
P100 models:
Shock absorber-to-chassis crossmember bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 to 7044 to 52
Leaf spring-to-front bracket bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 to 196116 to 145
Leaf spring-to-spring shackle bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 to 196116 to 145
Spring shackle-to-underbody bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 to 8559 to 63
Axle-to-leaf spring U-bolt nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 to 5829 to 43
Manual steering
Steering gear-to-crossmember bolts:
Stage 1 (“clamping” torque) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4533
Loosen fully, then Stage 2 (“snug” torque) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1511
Stage 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tighten through a further 90º
Steering column adjuster through-bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 to 84 to 6
Tie-rod end locknut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 to 6842 to 50
Tie-rod end-to-hub carrier nut* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 to 3215 to 24
Tie-rod-to-steering rack balljoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 to 8853 to 65
Steering wheel nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 to 5533 to 41
Intermediate shaft-to-inner column clamp bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 to 2515 to 18
Flexible coupling-to-steering gear clamp nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 to 2617 to 19
Column mounting pinch-bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 to 5533 to 41
Pinion retaining nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 to 10052 to 74
Slipper plug† . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 to 53 to 4
*Tighten nut to specified torque and then tighten to next available split pin hole
†Tighten nut to specified torque and then loosen off 60º to 70º
Power steering (where different to manual steering)
Tie-rod to steering rack balljoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 to 7752 to 57
Flexible coupling-to-steering gear clamp bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 to 2012 to 15
Intermediate shaft-to-inner column clamp bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 to 2012 to 15
Pinion locknut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 to 4727 to 35
Slipper plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 to 42 to 3
Pump rear support bar nut and bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 to 5130 to 38
Pump mounting bracket-to-engine bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 to 6438 to 47
Pump pulley bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 to 127 to 9
Fluid hose-to-pinion housing bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 to 2615 to 19
Fluid pressure hose-to-pump union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 to 3119 to 23
Fluid return hose-to-pump union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 to 2012 to 15
The front suspension is of independent
MacPherson strut type incorporating coil
springs and integral telescopic shock
absorbers. The lower end of each strut is
attached to a hub carrier, which carries the
wheel hub and bearings, and the brake
assembly. The lower end of each hub carrier
is attached to a suspension lower arm by a
sealed balljoint. The inboard ends of the lower
arms are attached to the front suspension
crossmember and the lower arms thus
provide lateral location for the strut
assemblies. The upper end of each strut is
bolted to a suspension turret on the vehicle
body. An anti-roll bar is mounted to the rear of
the lower arms, and resists the roll tendency
of the front suspension.
On Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models,
the rear suspension is also of independent
type, incorporating semi-trailing arms, coil
springs and telescopic shock absorbers. The
semi-trailing arms are attached to the
suspension crossmember at their forward
ends, and to the hub carriers at the rear. Thecoil springs are located between the
semi-trailing arms and the vehicle underbody.
On Saloon and Hatchback models, the shock
absorbers are mounted behind the coil
springs, but on Estate models they are
concentric with the coil springs. On some
Estate models the shock absorbers are of the
self-levelling type. The suspension
crossmember is attached to the vehicle
underbody, and to the final drive unit. Certain
models are fitted with an anti-roll bar which is
mounted to the rear of the final drive unit, and
is attached to the semi-trailing arms by
connecting links.
The rear suspension on P100 models
consists of a beam axle located and
supported by a leaf spring on each side, and
utilizing telescopic shock absorbers to control
vertical movement. The hub and brake
assemblies are attached directly to each side
of the axle. The axle is bolted to the leaf
springs using U-bolts and counterplates, and
the shock absorbers are attached to the
counterplates at their lower ends and the
vehicle underbody at their upper ends.
The steering gear is of the conventional
rack and pinion type located ahead of the
front wheels. Movement of the steering wheelis transmitted to the steering gear by means
of a shaft containing a universal joint. The
front hub carriers are connected to the
steering gear by tie-rods, each having an inner
and outer balljoint. Power-assisted steering is
available on some models, assistance being
provided hydraulically by an engine-driven
pump.
Removal
1Remove the steering gear.
2Support the engine with a jack and
interposed block of wood under the sump.
3Unscrew and remove the engine mounting
nuts from the top of the mountings in the
engine bay (see illustration).
4Raise the engine slightly with the jack, and
ensure that it is safely supported, and just
clear of the engine mounting rubbers.
5Unscrew and remove the nuts, washers and
pivot bolts securing the lower arms to the
crossmember, and pull the arms from the
crossmember. Note that the pivot bolt heads
face to the rear of the vehicle.
2Front suspension crossmember
-removalandrefitting
1General information
Suspension and steering 11•3
11

pivot pin. Take care not to lose the
components (see illustration).
5Remove the brake cable sheaths from their
brackets on the vehicle underbody.
6Unscrew the brake pipes from the brake
hoses at the brackets on the vehicle
underbody. Plug the ends of the pipes and
hoses to prevent leakage and dirt ingress,
then detach the hoses from the brackets by
removing the U-shaped retaining clips (see
illustration).
7Where applicable, disconnect the ABS
sensors, and detach the leads from the clips
on the lower arms.
8Place suitable blocks beneath the rear
wheels, then lower the vehicle so that the rear
coil springs are lightly loaded. Reposition the
axle stands under the side members.
9Support the final drive unit with a jack,
using an interposed block of wood to spread
the load.
10Where applicable, unscrew and remove
the two anti-roll bar mountings from the
underbody.
11Unscrew and remove the three bolts
securing each of the front guide plates to the
underbody and the suspension crossmember
(see illustration). Where applicable, bend
back the lockwasher tabs on the larger bolts.
12Unscrew and remove the four bolts
securing the final drive unit rear mounting to
the underbody. Note the location and number
of any shims which may be fitted (see
illustration).
13Working inside the rear of the vehicle,
disconnect the shock absorber upper
mountings. On Saloon and Hatchbackmodels, access is gained by removing the
trim covers behind the side cushions. Each
cover is secured by two self-tapping screws,
and the shock absorber is secured by a bolt
and nut. On Estate models, fold down the rear
seat backrest, fold back the floor covering
and remove the front section of the luggage
compartment floor, which is secured with 12
self-tapping screws. Remove the nut and
washer from the shock absorber.
14Using a jack and a wooden beam
positioned beneath the longitudinal
underbody side members, raise the rear of the
vehicle until the rear suspension and final
drive unit assembly can be withdrawn from
under the vehicle.
15If desired, the assembly can be
dismantled with reference to the relevant
Sections of this Chapter and Chapter 9.
Refitting
16Refitting is a reversal of removal, bearing
in mind the following points.
17Where applicable, secure the larger front
guide plate bolts by bending up the
lockwasher tabs.
18Ensure that the coil springs are located
correctly on their seats on the vehicle
underbody.
19When refitting the final drive rear mounting
to the underbody, refit any shims in their original
noted positions, and fit the bolts with reference
to the note at the beginning of this Section.
20Tighten all fixings to the specified torque.
21On completion, bleed the brakes and
adjust the handbrake. With the vehicle level,
check the final drive unit oil level.
Models with rear drum brakes
Removal
1Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of
the vehicle and support on axle stands placed
under the side members.
2Remove the relevant driveshaft.
3Remove the handbrake cable from the clip
on the lower arm.
4Unscrew the brake pipe from the brake
hose at the bracket on the lower arm. Plug the
ends of the pipe and hose to prevent leakage
and dirt ingress, then detach the hose from
the bracket by removing the U-shaped
retaining clip (see illustration).
5Unscrew the brake pipe from the wheel
cylinder on the brake backplate and plug the
end of the pipe and the cylinder to prevent
leakage and dirt ingress.
6Unscrew the bolts securing the brake
backplate to the lower arm and tie the
backplate to one side.
7Where applicable, prise the anti-roll bar
connecting strap from the lower arm.
8Support the lower arm on a jack, and raise
it slightly to place the coil spring under load.
9Remove the shock absorber.
10Unscrew and remove the three bolts
securing the front guide plate to the
underbody and the suspension crossmember
(see illustration). Where applicable, bend
back the lockwasher tab(s) on the larger bolt.
11Lower the lower arm, and remove the coil
spring and rubber cup.
12Note the orientation of the two lower
arm-to-crossmember pivot bolts and nuts,
then unscrew and remove them and withdraw
the lower arm from under the vehicle (see
illustration).
13If the lower arm is to be renewed, unclip
the brake pipe, and refit to the new arm.
14If required, the pivot bushes may be
renewed using a long bolt, nut, washers and a
suitable metal tube. Lubricate the new bushes
with soapy water before fitting.
11Rear suspension lower arm
(Saloon, Hatchback and
Estate models) -removaland
refitting
11•8Suspension and steering
10.4 Handbrake equaliser-to-operating rod
circlip and pivot pin (arrowed)10.11 Rear suspension front guide plate -
lockwasher arrowed
11.4 Brake pipe bracket on lower arm. U-
shaped retaining clip arrowed10.12 Final drive unit-to-underbody rear
mounting
10.6 Rear underbody brake pipe bracket -
U-shaped hose retaining clip arrowed