Steering wheel - centralising
1 This operation is for correcting small errors in steering wheel centralisation - up to 60º.
For larger errors, remove the steering wheel and make a rough correction by repositioning the wheel on refitting.
2 Drive the vehicle in a straight line on a level surface. Note the angle by which the steering wheel deviates from the desired straight-ahead position.
3 Raise the front of the vehicle by driving it onto ramps, or with a jack and axle stands.
4 Slacken both tie-rod end locknuts. Also slacken the steering rack bellows outer clips.
5 Make alignment marks between each tie-rod end and its rod, so that the amount of rotation applied can be accurately determined see illustration).
23.5 Make alignment marks (arrowed) between each tie-rod end and its rod when
centralising the steering wheel
6 Turn both tie-rods in the same direction to correct the steering wheel position. As a rough guide, 19º of tie-rod rotation will change the steering wheel position by 1º. To correct a clockwise error at the steering wheel, rotate both tie-rods anti-clockwise (when viewed from the left-hand side of the vehicle), and the reverse to correct an anticlockwise error. Both tie-rods must be rotated by the same amount.
7 Tighten the bellows clips and the tie-rod end locknuts when adjustment is correct.
Lower the vehicle.
See also:
Headlamps and auxiliary lamps - beam alignment
The headlamps are adjustable individually
for both horizontal and vertical alignment from
within the engine compartment. The auxiliary
lamp adjustment is carried out by slackening
the lamp mountin ...
Engine/automatic transmission assembly - removal and separation
Note: A suitable hoist and lifting tackle will be
required for this operation. Any suspected
faults in the automatic transmission should be
referred to a Ford dealer or automatic
transmission spec ...
Pressure regulating valve (Saloon and Estate models) - removal
and refitting
1 The brake pressure regulating valve is
located within the engine compartment, just
above the aperture in the wing inner panel
through which the steering tie-rod passes. On
pre-1986 models the va ...
