Q: How to remove and install a steering gear in a Mercury Cougar?
A: Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Apply the parking brake. Place a drain pan under the Rack And Pinion (power steering only). Remove the power steering pressure and return lines and cap the ends to prevent excessive fluid loss and contamination. Mark the relationship of the intermediate shaft flexible coupling to the Rack And Pinion input shaft. Remove the pinch bolt. Separate the tie-rod ends from the spindle arms. Support the Rack And Pinion and remove the Rack And Pinion-to-frame mounting nuts and bolts. The nuts are accessible through the hole in rear of the cross member. The Rack And Pinion mounting nuts are accessible through holes in the rear of the cross member. Lower the unit, separate the intermediate shaft from the Rack And Pinion input shaft and remove the Rack And Pinion from the vehicle. Raise the Rack And Pinion into position and connect the intermediate shaft, aligning the marks. Install the mounting bolts and washers and tighten the nuts to the torque. Connect the tie-rod ends to the spindle arms. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt and tighten it to the torque. Connect the power steering pressure and return hoses to the Rack And Pinion and fill the power steering pump reservoir with the recommended fluid. Lower the vehicle and bleed the steering system.