power steering

[jetta90]

Hello folks, i'm in the process of replacing the power steering rack on my 99 Taurus.
The old rack was leaking at both ends, the tie rod bellows were just about full of power steering oil.
I am hoping that someone has done this job as well and can answer a couple questions.
When i removed the old rack and when installing the new rack i noticed that the return line from the rack back to the pump was able to move back and forth once tightened down on the fitting. This was noticed when everything was nice and snug and buttoned down. I know that there wouldn't be that much pressure on the return line but i wonder, since it is an hydraulic fitting i'm thinking it should fit tight and not move at all. Any thoughts?
Next time one of you good folks runs out to the corner store can you check how many full revolutions of the steering wheel you have from dead straight to full lock to the right and the same to the left. So, with your front wheels pointed straight ahead (steering wheel straight ahead) how many times do you need to turn the steering before you get to full right and full left turns?
tx - learning as i go !!
cc

[bustedratchet]

Ford power steering lines will appear loose after you tighten them. In the box you should have gotten some nylon "O" rings they go over the threads.As long as it isn't leaking should be O.K. I sure hope locked the steering while you did this you can wipe out the clockspring in the steering column. As far as turning you might get 2 to 2.5 turns from center.

[jetta90]

Thank you bustedratchet for your response.
What exactly do you mean by the nylon rings go over the threads? The nylon rings are pretty much the same diameter as the threaded portion of the fitting. I thought they were meant to sit at the bottom of the steering rack pressure and return ports, squeezed up against the hydraulic lines/fittings? I can't see how one could get these rings to expand ............... heat?
I must have done something wrong when mounting the new rack to the steering wheel shaft as i seem to have just shy of one and a half full turns of the steering wheel when i turn full lock to the left. While i'll get just a touch over one and a half full turns when turning steering wheel full rigght. Both times i start off with steering wheel positioned straight center then turn completely to full lock in either direction.
Maybe it should be this way?
tx cc

[pctoyou]

The "Teflon" rings are actually a corrosion inhibitor to keep the steel line from siezing to the aluminum casting They can be slightly heated and put them onto the lije with a lsight turning motion as if you are threading them onto the line threads. Continue with them until they seat into the open areas past the threads of the lines. Ford power steering lines are self sealing and require no O-rings for internal seal, as he had stated the ford Lines do allow swivel movement and should only be tightened to approximately 15-25 lbs torque as the casting is aluminum. Do NOT forget to transfer the Back pressure relief valve from the old unit to the new one on the high pressure line port! This valve looks like a mushroom out of the unit with a small spring retained bored hole and a spring retained cover in the center to allow fluid to go into the unit, but not seep out. Also, the Steering connector is Notched ovally to ensure that when you change the units steering coupler to the units Pinion/input shaft, It will not be misaligned! I have worked for 13 years Remanufacturing Steering and driveline components in Michigan. I also am a State Certified Mechanic in Stering and Suspension and have changed several hundred of these units. After installation be sure to get the vehicle to an alignment shop. Hope this post helps.
--Thomas