Steering - Steering Column Lateral Play/Noise
TSB 09-22-211/16/09
LATERAL PLAY AND/OR RADIAL NOISE IN TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
FORD:
2010 Transit Connect
ISSUE
Some 2010 Transit Connect may exhibit lateral (side to side) play and/or radial (up and down) noise in the telescoping steering column.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
To address steering column lateral play when steering column is locked:
1. Position the steering column at mid-mid position (axially and radially) to check for lateral play. Make sure column is locked.
2. Disassemble upper and lower shrouds.
3. Tighten the adjustment nut an additional 27 lb-in. (3 N.m). (Figure 1)
4. Recheck the steering column for looseness.
a. If there is still lateral play, then tighten an additional 27 lb-in. (3 N.m) Recheck and repeat tightening sequence if necessary until there is no play. A 1/16" to 1/8" (2-3 mm) of play is normal.
b. If this nut is tightened too much then the rack and teeth system will make noise when the column is not locked and is moved up and down.
To address noise when column is unlocked and moving up and down:
1. Unlock the column and check for ratchet type noise and smooth movement when moving the column up and down.
a. When radial movement is smooth and free from noise, repair is complete. Attach upper and lower shrouds.
b. If there is a ratchet type noise, then the Cross-Car-Beam (CCB) alignment should be checked. Proceed to Step 2.
2. Disassemble the column from the brackets (do not remove from steering gear).
a. If the CCB brackets are not parallel to each other, the column cannot be positioned truly, which leads to the radial movement noise. (Figure 2)
b. If the CCB brackets have an angle difference greater than 1/32" (1 mm) apart, it may cause noisy radial movement as well as some lateral play. (Figure 3)
3. To eliminate both issues, apply grease (Motorcraft(R) Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound) throughout the column adjuster teeth rack to eliminate the noise concern. (Figure 4)
a. If movement is free from radial noise and lateral play, repair is complete. Reattach column and upper/lower shrouds.
b. If noise is still present, proceed to Step 4.
4. Reduce the amount of torque on the nut (Figure 1) by 9 lb-in. (1 N.m). If the noise does not disappear, then recheck and repeat loosening sequence in 9 lb-in. (1 N.m) increments until there is no radial noise or lateral play.
5. Reattach column to CCB brackets.
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
092202A 2010 Transit Connect: 0.4 Hr.
Follow Service Procedure
To Remove Lateral Play
And/Or Radial Noise (Do
Not Use With Any Other
Labor Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3C529 33
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