How to Remove the Steering Coupling on a 93 Mustang

The steering coupling in the 1993 Mustang connects the steering column shaft to the input shaft of the rack-and-pinion power steering unit. This flexible coupling allows the steering wheel to be turned smoothly, without binding, even though the rack and pinion is mounted at an angle to the column. A worn steering coupling will cause excessive steering wheel free-play, and may become a driving hazard. Basic hand tools are required to complete this repair project.

Instructions

1

Start the engine and turn the steering wheel back and forth, until the front wheels are in the straight-ahead position. Turn the engine off. Lock the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.

2

Remove the steering coupling pinch bolts. From the driver side of the engine compartment, use a 10 mm socket and ratchet or a 10 mm wrench to remove the two 10 mm pinch bolts that attach the steering coupling to the steering column and the rack-and-pinion unit.

3

Slide the coupling up the steering column shaft until it slides off the input shaft of the rack-and-pinion unit. Slide the opposite end of the coupling off the steering column shaft.

4

Apply a small amount of chassis lube to the steering column shaft and the rack-and-pinion unit input shaft. Slide the new coupling onto the steering column shaft. Position the flat area inside the coupling over the flat area on the rack-and-pinion input shaft. Slide the coupling onto the rack-and-pinion unit input shaft.

5

Reinstall the pinch bolts and nuts. Torque the pinch bolts to between 20 and 30 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.