Ford Escape: Steering Column / Removal and Installation - Steering Column

Removal

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the clockspring, make sure the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

NOTICE: Precise tolerances are required when manufacturing a steering column. Never install a repaired, rebuilt, aftermarket, or remanufactured steering column. Always install a new steering column. Failure to follow this direction can result in steering column failure.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   If installing a new steering column, connect the scan tool and upload the module configuration information from the PSCM .
   Refer to: Module Configuration - System Operation and Component Description (418-01 Module Configuration, Description and Operation).
   

1. Depower the SRS .
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the SCCM .
   Refer to: Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) (211-05 Steering Wheel and Column Electrical Components, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: This step is not necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the steering column shrouds.
   Refer to: Steering Column Shrouds (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the shaft has rotated, remove and recenter the clockspring.

   Secure the steering wheel.
   

1. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors and position the harness aside.
   

1. 1. Remove the manual park release cover.
      
   2. Push the manual park release up and through the steering column opening trim panel.
      

1. 
   Remove the steering column opening trim panel.
   
   1. Remove the steering column opening trim panel.
      
   2. Disconnect the headlamp switch electrical connector.
      

1.   WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

   1. Remove and discard the steering shaft coupler retainer.
      Torque: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)
   2. Separate the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
      

1. Disconnect the steering column EPAS electrical connectors.
   

1.   WARNING: Do not reuse steering column nuts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

   
   Remove the steering column.
   
   1. Remove and discard the steering column mounting bolt.
      
   2. Remove and discard the nuts and remove the steering column.
      
   • Transfer parts as required.
     

1.   WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

   NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove and discard the steering shaft coupler retainer and remove the steering column intermediate shaft.
   Torque:
     Stage 1:  35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
     Stage 2:  120°

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Tighten the fasteners following the sequence shown.
   Torque:
      1:   18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
      2:   18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
      3:   18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. Repower the SRS .
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   If a new steering column was installed, download the PSCM configuration from the scan tool to the new PSCM .
   Refer to: Module Configuration - System Operation and Component Description (418-01 Module Configuration, Description and Operation).
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   To relearn steering angles, drive the vehicle above 64km/h (40 mph) for a minimum of 1 mile while maintaining the steering wheel in a straight ahead position with minimal steering input for at least 30 seconds.