How do I remove my rack and pinion, it won't.

Removal (1997 - 4.0L)
Disconnect the battery ground cable. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube. The fan shroud cannot
be removed without removing the fan blade. Use Fan Clutch Wrench (T96T-6312-A) and Fan
Hub Wrench (T96T-6312-B). Wrench to loosen and remove the fan blade. Remove the fan
shroud bolts. Lift the fan shroud out of the lower retaining clips. Lift the fan shroud and the fan
blade and clutch assembly together and remove from vehicle.
1.
CAUTION: Do not use heat to loosen a seized lug nut. Heat can damage the
wheel and the wheel bearings.
Remove the center cap from the front wheel and tire assemblies. With the weight of the vehicle
on the tires, loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts.
2.
WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut
off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle.
This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension
switch located in the rear jack storage area. Failure to do so may
result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs which
may result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts. Remove the front wheel and tire
assemblies.
3.
Remove the radiator deflector bolts and remove the radiator air deflector. Loosen the left tie rod
end jam nut. Disconnect the tie rod ends. Remove and discard the cotter pins. Remove the
castellated nuts. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Remove the left tie rod
end. Count and record the number of turns required to remove the tie rod end.
4.
Remove the front stabilizer bar link nut. Remove the front stabilizer bar link bolt. Remove the
front stabilizer bar spacer. Repeat for the other side. Remove the four (two each side) stabilizer
bar bracket bolts. Remove the stabilizer bar.
5.
Remove the power steering fluid cooler nuts and remove the power steering fluid cooler.
Separate the power steering fluid return line hose from the power steering fluid cooler. Allow
the system to drain. Disconnect the power steering return hose. Remove the power steering
fluid cooler. Remove the power steering pressure hose. Remove the power steering return hose.
6.
CAUTION: Do not rotate the steering wheel when the lower steering column
shaft is disconnected or damage to the air bag sliding contact will
result.
Remove the lower steering column pinch bolt and disconnect the intermediate shaft from the
steering gear input shaft.
7.
CAUTION: Hold the tops of the steering gear to crossmember stud bolts to
avoid damaging the steering gear fluid transfer tubes.
STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION -1997 Mercury Mountaineer Page 1 of 2
10/7/2011
Remove the steering gear mounting nuts. Remove the steering gear mounting stud bolts.
Remove the steering gear to cross member insulator bushings. Rotate the steering gear control
valve housing toward the front of the vehicle. Remove the power steering pressure valve.
8.
Turn the steering gear input shaft to the right until the stop is reached. Move the steering gear as
far to the right side of the vehicle as possible. Move the left front wheel spindle tie rod forward
to clear the frame cross member. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
9.

STEERING SYSTEM - POWER RACK & PINION -1997 Mercury Mountaineer Page 2 of 2
10/7/2011