Questions and Answers
Ford Mustang GT Problems
Q. I have a 1988 Ford Mustang GT, 5-speed manual, and hatchback. I need to replace the rack and pinion on it and I would like to do it myself. The other thing is on my fuse box, every time I put this fuse into the #8 fuse and some other one that I cannot remember, the fuse pops.
My gauges are not showing correctly and when I try to take off from first gear sometimes, it pops out of gear making a hard thump sound. So my question to you is can you send me some info on to how I can fix it? If you can that would be great. Hope to hear from you.
A. Replacing the rack is not very difficult to do on this car. it's just a bit of work and a matter of making sure you keep the steering wheel centered.
Here's how it goes:
- Disconnect battery ground cable.
- Remove bolt attaching flexible coupling to input shaft.
- Place ignition switch in the On position, then raise and support front of vehicle.
- Remove cotter pins and nuts from tie rod ends, then using a suitable tool separate tie rods from spindle arms.
- Support steering gear, then remove two nuts, bolts and washers attaching steering gear to cross member. On power steering gears, lower gear slightly and disconnect pressure and return lines. Cap lines and fittings to prevent entry of dirt.
- Remove steering gear from vehicle.
- Reverse procedure to install. Torque flexible coupling to input shaft bolt to 20 - 30 ft. lbs., tie rod to spindle arm nuts to 35 - 47 ft. lbs. and steering gear to cross member bolts to 80 - 100 ft. lbs. Torque pressure line fitting at gear housing to 10 - 15 ft. lbs.
Fuse #8 is for some of the interior lighting. Under hood light, visor mirror lights and power mirror if equipped. The most likely problem is a shorted wire. To locate it you'll need a wiring diagram and a test light. You can read up on how to troubleshoot an electrical problem in my article: Electrical Troubleshooting: Part 1 & 2.
As for the popping out of gear, that is an internal transmission problem. It sounds like it's time for a rebuild.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
