How to Install a New Steering Rack in a Ford Taurus

Ford introduced the Taurus in 1986 and production continued until 2006 with the 2007 model year. Ford renamed the Ford Five Hundred sedan as Taurus in 2008 and announced a complete redesign for 2010. Both use rack and pinion steering but with slight differences. You can install a new steering rack on your 2000 to 2007 model if you follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Jack and jack stands
• Cotter pins
• Tie rod end nuts
• Power steering hose seals
• Power steering hose fitting tool 211-D027
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Turn the steering wheel one-quarter turn to the right. Turn the ignition to "OFF." Support the front end, and remove the front wheels. Disconnect and remove the tie rod ends by loosening the jam nuts before removing the cotter pins and nuts. Discard the pins and nuts.

2. Shift the boot to give you clear access and remove the bolt that connects the intermediate shaft coupling. Remove the subframe bolts. Use jack stands to support the rear end of the front subframe and remove those bolts. Discard all of the removed bolts then lower the rear front subframe 4 inches.

3. Disconnect the steering gear bracket and detach it from the rack assembly. Disconnect the hoses and discard the seals. Pull the rack assembly through the left fender well and replace it with the new one.

4. Add new seals to the steering hose fittings and reconnect them. Reattach the bracket and tighten the nuts to 85 to 100 foot pounds of torque. Raise the subframe back into position (4 inches), making sure to guide the intermediate shaft coupling into place. Attach with new bolts, tighten to 57 to 76 foot pounds of torque and pull the jack stands out of the way.

5. Center and turn the steering gear input shaft one-quarter turn to the right. Make sure the coupling will fit the input shaft correctly and connect with a new bolt. Shift the boot back into position and install the tie rod ends (use the same number of turns you used when you removed them).

6. Use new nuts to reconnect the tie rod ends and secure with a new cotter pin. Tighten the jam nuts to 35 foot pounds of torque. Remount your front wheels.

7. Reconnect your battery and fill the power steering system. Check for leaks. Adjust the front end to align the wheels correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to note the number of turns in the tie rod end when you disconnect. You will need to reconnect with the same number of turns.

• If you have the 3.0L 4V DOHC engine (model years 2001 to 2005), you will need to leave the heat shield attached to the steering gear bracket when you remove it.

• Don't damage the tie rod end boots or get them dirty.