Steering - Voluntary Returnability

83ford17 Article No. 83-10-7

STEERING - RETURNABILITY - MANUAL AND POWER


FORD 1981-83 ESCORT, EXP

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1981-83 LYNX, LN7

The steering system on these vehicles may not voluntarily return to center at very low speeds due to unequal steering geometry. Rotating tires, adjusting tire pressure, and setting toe "out" to maximum will minimize this condition.

This condition is usually noted when parking with the system at, or close to a full left turn. A small increase in vehicle speed or a slight assist from the driver is usually enough to start the system back to center.

The condition is a result of uneven steering geometry which is designed into these vehicles to compensate for "torque steer". Torque steer is a characteristic of front wheel drive vehicles with uneven driveshafts. A difference between right and left recovery on these vehicles in favor of right should be considered normal due to this unequal steering geometry.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: In addition to the above steering systems ability to recover is also affected by the following:

^ Tire Wear - tires should be rotated as suggested in the owner's manual.
^ Tire Pressure - the pressure should be maintained at the top of the specification.
^ Wheel Toe - should be set within the recommended specification as close to the maximum "out" (0.22") as practical.