i’m having the same issue with my 2007 GM changed the whole front end controls arms stabilizers but i guess when i u looseness the rack and pinion it ripped out the whole shaft assembly now i’m stuck at the same part you were at one point! your video is helpful
Its not a good situation to be in but I have proven that it is fixable with a little time, just get as comfortable as you can and go tooth by tooth. Let me know WHEN you get it fixed! DTG
This helped! Lining up the upper part inside that shaft is a nightmare. I have an 05 Grand Marquis ultimate edition. With the HPP package so I don’t have a choice but to repair it.
Thanks for video. I'm waiting on my shafts to ship now. I'm also fixing the green collar that is broken on mine. Ford does make a retainer for it. I believe part number for retainer is 5w1z-3605-a. Again thanks for awesome Video.
Power steering on my 2001 Crown Vic PI means I have to use a lot of arm power to steer. After your vid I may be calling my mechanic. Thanks for the good lesson.
I'm about to do this and hope that bearing doesn't come out of my steering column. I noticed the green bearing retainer was slipping out and it was damn near out 2 inches so I've decided to replace the lower and upper shafts. Got a good deal on the OEM parts on eBay. When I disconnect that top shaft pinch bolt, I'm going to hold that bearing in place some how. There is a recall for this exact thing but Ford told me they already inspected it in 2014 and it was fine. They should be forced to repair this on every single vehicle since you could lose complete steering control if that bearing were to get pulled out due to u-joints binding.
You are right, you don't want that coming out, why don't you put a pair of vice grips or a hose clamp on the shaft where it goes through the fire wall to keep the shaft in place while you work, just don't forget to remove them, haha DTG
@@DoubleTroubleGarage Yeah, I was thinking of taking out the upper shaft out of the bearing first. Does the bearing come out easily by itself without the shaft in there? That's what I"m worried about. Thanks.
@@ismann9148 YES! Mine came out way too easy, it's a metal shaft held up by a plastic bearing that has been exposed to extreme heat for years, do what you can to hold it up in place.
@@DoubleTroubleGarage Thank you, Sir. I see once you got it back in there, it stayed pretty well. Is that plastic piece also keyed and only supposed to go in one way? I probably will add a hose clamp like you did. I figure if it starts to rub then I know I need to push it back up haha. You mentioned you used a self-tapping screw with a washer? Is that more permanent?
@@ismann9148 I don't recall the plastic to be any problem going back in place, and yes I would call the fender washer more permanent and more piece of mind.
Because I still have yet to replace the rack n pinion, looks to me like someone either jacked the car up with the rack or they hit something, looks bent.
My Crown Victoria has had a lazy steering feel that I haven't yet been able to cure. The lubrication method helped some, but barely; so, I removed the steering shaft (both upper and lower), and I cleaned them thoroughly (not that they appeared to even need it) - but it didn't end up curing the issue. In fact, I effectively introduced play in the wheel, likely because I reused the original bolts even though Ford apparently recommends they be replaced with brand new ones. At this point, I'm thinking the power steering system itself is at fault: that usual noise you're supposed to hear when you turn the wheel is not present, and there is also some bubbling occurring inside the reservoir. This has led me to believe that there's some sort of blockage or air seep keeping the pump from performing at its fullest capacity. Do you think this could very well be the case? Thanks for the video, by the way. Not enough videos like this exist.
Sounds like you are going through the same gauntlet of issues, there is one more thing and that is the speed control unit on the rack itself, the only way I know to test it is to apply 12v and see if you get full power steering, I did just that with no difference noted BUT next time I used the same test lead I found it had a short so now I want to test it again.
@@matthewcollins7660 Yes it's normal but seems on the later model town cars you don't hear as much, I used to be able to pick a ford driving through a parking lot with my eyes shut.,,, lol
In my history of working on cars its never the power steering pump, I have changed them because they were leaking or froze up but that's it, they just always seem to work, just my opinion. Mine has a intake manifold leak so is sitting waiting for me to repair, therefore it has kept me from tracking down the rest of my issue but a comment that I received told me of a fuse that could be blown so the first thing I will do when I get back on it will to be check ALL my fuses to see if any are blown OR Missing, you should try that before you go any further. DTG
Maybe you saw that Laurel & Hardy film where they are running from the cops in a Model A when the steering wheel came off in Ollie's hands. That is what you want to avoid.
I need to replace mine on my beautiful town car god I freaking love these cars. I’m so scared tho at the moment. When I turn I can feel that knuckle in the shaft.
It was really easy to remove that shaft and soak it but hitting the caps with the hammer really freed it up. I have to replace my Rack and have had it on the back burner but now I gave it to my son so I have to do it soon. Town cars are great, I need to find myself one in cherry condition with low miles!
My steering suddenly became stiffer. I replaced the power steering pump, then this part, but it still isn't right. Do you have any ideas? What did you do to fix yours?
I set it aside for a while, mine is still not like it should be, I'm going to change the steering rack that is the only thing left that it could be, thanks for the comment 👍
That is a keyed shaft and will ONLY go in one way. Get comfortable Ha Ha,,, But Really get a fan, Pillow or whatever this really helps you to concentrate, if your neck is on fire or a gas pedal is ripping your ear off its distracting and annoying and you need to concentrate. Lubricate well and Mark the shaft somehow with a marker or tape, when you push it in it will slide in all the way or not, Probably NOT, Pick a direction let's say "right" Pull the shaft slowly out while turning to the right ever so slightly you will feel the teeth and it will go in somewhat but not all the way, do this one tooth at a time it may take forever or could be quick but DONT stop until you are all the way around OR it slides in all the way. My key lined up just a few teeth before completion of the rotation, hopefully yours is sooner. Hope this helps, DTG
@@DoubleTroubleGarage I appreciate you responding and thank for the info. Yea I kept trying until it was time for me to hop in the truck and get on the road. Never got it to lock in. I used my phone to take a look into the tube where it post to line up and the teeth in there look kinda strip. I’m going to try for another 2 hours when ever I get back home but if I don’t get it by then im going to end up selling it. I been using wd40 to lubricant it but I will try some of grease next time
I’m doing this to my Vic right now and the shaft won’t go more than a few inches in that tube where shaft connects to the steering and it’s acting like it’s to short to reach what do I do ?
You are working with a KEYD shaft that means you have one tooth bigger than the rest, you will need to turn it one tooth at a time until you find the sweet spot and it slips in start watching the video at 3500 and see what I did, I'm gonna tell you its a bear but it is doable with some patience. Good Luck
@@DoubleTroubleGaragethank you I’m working on it again right now and figured out I accidentally made the shaft move in so I just extended it and now it reaches but now I’m trying do what your showing at 35mins but I found a plastic sleeve stuck on the end of shaft and I thinks that’s what was stopping my from getting it on
@@DoubleTroubleGarage I ended up taking out the whole steering column and just hammering shaft onto the other and got it all back together and we good now didn’t take much because I’ve already put nrg steering wheel and hub on but yeah got it all together we good man thanks for the advice though
That is what holds the shaft from falling out, you will need to find another one or get creative, on mine the tabs broke from it being so brittle so I used a self taping screw and a fender washer to hold it up in place.
I detached that joint(to work on an exhaust tube), the stEering wheel twirled around & I had to recNter clockspring.. bt after that screwup.. I noticed there’s a click clunk, 1-2 in gap in steering wheel turn/play. any guess what that might be?🤔
The only thing I can think of is if that, for lack of a better description, "Plastic Bearing" at the end of the steering column slipped out. You will have to stand on your head under the dash and look to see if that bearing is flush with the end of the Colum and if not push it back in, the clips that hold it are plastic and so brittle they break easy. On mine I put a self tapping screw with a fender washer to make sure it stays put.
by the way, there is a geometry snFoo in your suggestion - IF I was short enuf 2 stNd on my hed under dash(not a smrf- unlIklE).. I could just as eazLE stNd rIt sId up & sQat down🤔
That was just the way I put it you dont really stand on your head, you actually lay on your back with the door sill securely in your lumbar and your right ear pressed against the brake pedal LOL, I am 6' so I know the challenge!....
Ha Ha Ha, That's the same thing I was thinking every time I sprayed mine so I only used PB Blaster I think it has a higher flash point but don't quote me on that....
@@josephmcnamee9338 That round bearing should have never came out its supposed to be part of the lower end steering column, whatever you do don't let that shaft come through the fire wall like I did, took me forever to get that 1 million tooth keys shaft back in place.
Before lubing the knuckle you want to remove hidden corrosion, and your friend here is the oh-so-expensive vinegar. Patience is key here, and another car to drive while you leave the knuckle in the vinegar for several days--the more the better, and change the vinegar when it gets nasty. After that the knuckle will be renewed inside and out-- mainly inside. Vinegar is so under-rated.
You are correct, vinegar is great but yes it takes a while and my goal was to find the problem first, remember when they used to put grease fittings on everything...
![Eminem - Fuel (Shady Edition) feat. Westside Boogie & GRIP [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/k1OquBida9s/mqdefault.jpg)
i’m having the same issue with my 2007 GM changed the whole front end controls arms stabilizers but i guess when i u looseness the rack and pinion it ripped out the whole shaft assembly now i’m stuck at the same part you were at one point! your video is helpful
Its not a good situation to be in but I have proven that it is fixable with a little time, just get as comfortable as you can and go tooth by tooth.
Let me know WHEN you get it fixed!
DTG
This helped! Lining up the upper part inside that shaft is a nightmare. I have an 05 Grand Marquis ultimate edition. With the HPP package so I don’t have a choice but to repair it.
Always happy that I helped someone!!!
DTG
It's my understanding this repair was covered by a Ford recall.
Thanks for video. I'm waiting on my shafts to ship now. I'm also fixing the green collar that is broken on mine. Ford does make a retainer for it. I believe part number for retainer is 5w1z-3605-a. Again thanks for awesome Video.
Thanks for the info, I made my own retainer with a self tapping screw and a fender washer.
Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂
Ps. If it was already done replaced you can get a cost reimbursement with a receipt.
Power steering on my 2001 Crown Vic PI means I have to use a lot of arm power to steer. After your vid I may be calling my mechanic. Thanks for the good lesson.
Thanks for watching Larry
Best COMPLEAT vid. Thanks!
Thanks bud.
DTG
I'm about to do this and hope that bearing doesn't come out of my steering column. I noticed the green bearing retainer was slipping out and it was damn near out 2 inches so I've decided to replace the lower and upper shafts. Got a good deal on the OEM parts on eBay. When I disconnect that top shaft pinch bolt, I'm going to hold that bearing in place some how. There is a recall for this exact thing but Ford told me they already inspected it in 2014 and it was fine. They should be forced to repair this on every single vehicle since you could lose complete steering control if that bearing were to get pulled out due to u-joints binding.
You are right, you don't want that coming out, why don't you put a pair of vice grips or a hose clamp on the shaft where it goes through the fire wall to keep the shaft in place while you work, just don't forget to remove them, haha
DTG
@@DoubleTroubleGarage Yeah, I was thinking of taking out the upper shaft out of the bearing first. Does the bearing come out easily by itself without the shaft in there? That's what I"m worried about. Thanks.
@@ismann9148 YES! Mine came out way too easy, it's a metal shaft held up by a plastic bearing that has been exposed to extreme heat for years, do what you can to hold it up in place.
@@DoubleTroubleGarage Thank you, Sir. I see once you got it back in there, it stayed pretty well. Is that plastic piece also keyed and only supposed to go in one way? I probably will add a hose clamp like you did. I figure if it starts to rub then I know I need to push it back up haha. You mentioned you used a self-tapping screw with a washer? Is that more permanent?
@@ismann9148 I don't recall the plastic to be any problem going back in place, and yes I would call the fender washer more permanent and more piece of mind.
Why were You not happy with the outcome? I have to do this in my Town.
Because I still have yet to replace the rack n pinion, looks to me like someone either jacked the car up with the rack or they hit something, looks bent.
Keep the PB Blaster up even with a new one.
Good to know!
04 lincoln town car...had both replaced..steers like a dream....
That's great, glad to hear it, that's the way it's supposed to be!
Thanks for the comment 👍
My Crown Victoria has had a lazy steering feel that I haven't yet been able to cure. The lubrication method helped some, but barely; so, I removed the steering shaft (both upper and lower), and I cleaned them thoroughly (not that they appeared to even need it) - but it didn't end up curing the issue. In fact, I effectively introduced play in the wheel, likely because I reused the original bolts even though Ford apparently recommends they be replaced with brand new ones. At this point, I'm thinking the power steering system itself is at fault: that usual noise you're supposed to hear when you turn the wheel is not present, and there is also some bubbling occurring inside the reservoir. This has led me to believe that there's some sort of blockage or air seep keeping the pump from performing at its fullest capacity. Do you think this could very well be the case? Thanks for the video, by the way. Not enough videos like this exist.
Sounds like you are going through the same gauntlet of issues, there is one more thing and that is the speed control unit on the rack itself, the only way I know to test it is to apply 12v and see if you get full power steering, I did just that with no difference noted BUT next time I used the same test lead I found it had a short so now I want to test it again.
And even after I replaced the pump it still has no wine sound.
@@DoubleTroubleGarage so the whine noise is normal?
@@matthewcollins7660 Yes it's normal but seems on the later model town cars you don't hear as much, I used to be able to pick a ford driving through a parking lot with my eyes shut.,,, lol
In my history of working on cars its never the power steering pump, I have changed them because they were leaking or froze up but that's it, they just always seem to work, just my opinion.
Mine has a intake manifold leak so is sitting waiting for me to repair, therefore it has kept me from tracking down the rest of my issue but a comment that I received told me of a fuse that could be blown so the first thing I will do when I get back on it will to be check ALL my fuses to see if any are blown OR Missing, you should try that before you go any further.
DTG
Not impossible, but dam close.
Maybe you saw that Laurel & Hardy film where they are running from the cops in a Model A when the steering wheel came off in Ollie's hands. That is what you want to avoid.
Ha ha, yes I do remember that film, yea I made sure no chance of that when I put it back together.
I need to replace mine on my beautiful town car god I freaking love these cars. I’m so scared tho at the moment. When I turn I can feel that knuckle in the shaft.
It was really easy to remove that shaft and soak it but hitting the caps with the hammer really freed it up. I have to replace my Rack and have had it on the back burner but now I gave it to my son so I have to do it soon.
Town cars are great, I need to find myself one in cherry condition with low miles!
This was a FREE recall that may or may not still be active.
Thanks for your comments 🙂
My steering suddenly became stiffer. I replaced the power steering pump, then this part, but it still isn't right. Do you have any ideas? What did you do to fix yours?
I set it aside for a while, mine is still not like it should be, I'm going to change the steering rack that is the only thing left that it could be, thanks for the comment 👍
It’s the upper steering shaft u joint that will cause the issues
I’m trying to get mines to go back in right now. Been working on it for about 5 hours. Any extra tips and tricks?
That is a keyed shaft and will ONLY go in one way.
Get comfortable Ha Ha,,,
But Really get a fan, Pillow or whatever this really helps you to concentrate, if your neck is on fire or a gas pedal is ripping your ear off its distracting and annoying and you need to concentrate.
Lubricate well and Mark the shaft somehow with a marker or tape, when you push it in it will slide in all the way or not, Probably NOT,
Pick a direction let's say "right" Pull the shaft slowly out while turning to the right ever so slightly you will feel the teeth and it will go in somewhat but not all the way, do this one tooth at a time it may take forever or could be quick but DONT stop until you are all the way around OR it slides in all the way.
My key lined up just a few teeth before completion of the rotation, hopefully yours is sooner.
Hope this helps,
DTG
@@DoubleTroubleGarage I appreciate you responding and thank for the info. Yea I kept trying until it was time for me to hop in the truck and get on the road. Never got it to lock in. I used my phone to take a look into the tube where it post to line up and the teeth in there look kinda strip. I’m going to try for another 2 hours when ever I get back home but if I don’t get it by then im going to end up selling it. I been using wd40 to lubricant it but I will try some of grease next time
@@sammyiza5736 I hope you get it, I don't think them teeth are stripped, lmk
Now my abs module went bad. And im back to square 1 with the lower and upper shaft. stiffer then you know what, also clunking too.
Man, sorry to hear that
@@DoubleTroubleGarage Thanks bud. gotta save up.
You found out what fixed the problem?
I’m doing this to my Vic right now and the shaft won’t go more than a few inches in that tube where shaft connects to the steering and it’s acting like it’s to short to reach what do I do ?
You are working with a KEYD shaft that means you have one tooth bigger than the rest, you will need to turn it one tooth at a time until you find the sweet spot and it slips in start watching the video at 3500 and see what I did, I'm gonna tell you its a bear but it is doable with some patience.
Good Luck
@@DoubleTroubleGaragethank you I’m working on it again right now and figured out I accidentally made the shaft move in so I just extended it and now it reaches but now I’m trying do what your showing at 35mins but I found a plastic sleeve stuck on the end of shaft and I thinks that’s what was stopping my from getting it on
@2slow2valve28
How's it going now, any better news?
@@DoubleTroubleGarage I ended up taking out the whole steering column and just hammering shaft onto the other and got it all back together and we good now didn’t take much because I’ve already put nrg steering wheel and hub on but yeah got it all together we good man thanks for the advice though
What happens if you brake That plastic around the keyed shaft
On the inside of the column That connects to the steering wheel
That is what holds the shaft from falling out, you will need to find another one or get creative, on mine the tabs broke from it being so brittle so I used a self taping screw and a fender washer to hold it up in place.
I detached that joint(to work on an exhaust tube), the stEering wheel twirled around & I had to recNter clockspring.. bt after that screwup.. I noticed there’s a click clunk, 1-2 in gap in steering wheel turn/play. any guess what that might be?🤔
The only thing I can think of is if that, for lack of a better description, "Plastic Bearing" at the end of the steering column slipped out. You will have to stand on your head under the dash and look to see if that bearing is flush with the end of the Colum and if not push it back in, the clips that hold it are plastic and so brittle they break easy.
On mine I put a self tapping screw with a fender washer to make sure it stays put.
thNx! Ither that or my loose left outer tie rod, well C👋
by the way, there is a geometry snFoo in your suggestion - IF I was short enuf 2 stNd on my hed under dash(not a smrf- unlIklE).. I could just as eazLE stNd rIt sId up & sQat down🤔
LMK
That was just the way I put it you dont really stand on your head, you actually lay on your back with the door sill securely in your lumbar and your right ear pressed against the brake pedal LOL, I am 6' so I know the challenge!....
I worry that when I spray these flammable sprays on these shafts, will it drip onto the Catalytic converter and catch fire
Ha Ha Ha, That's the same thing I was thinking every time I sprayed mine so I only used PB Blaster I think it has a higher flash point but don't quote me on that....
@@DoubleTroubleGarage also what’s this round barring thing you are talking about ? I need to get one but have no idea what it’s called
@@josephmcnamee9338
That round bearing should have never came out its supposed to be part of the lower end steering column, whatever you do don't let that shaft come through the fire wall like I did, took me forever to get that 1 million tooth keys shaft back in place.
your major mess up is exactly what i need to fix!
Well I hope it helps you brother!!!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment!
Mines keep coming loose from the inside fire wall.
Where exactly? It shouldn't be mounted anywhere on the firewall....
Before lubing the knuckle you want to remove hidden corrosion, and your friend here is the oh-so-expensive vinegar. Patience is key here, and another car to drive while you leave the knuckle in the vinegar for several days--the more the better, and change the vinegar when it gets nasty. After that the knuckle will be renewed inside and out-- mainly inside. Vinegar is so under-rated.
You are correct, vinegar is great but yes it takes a while and my goal was to find the problem first, remember when they used to put grease fittings on everything...
Ah, the official grease of the worst Native American comedian ever.