Mondeo rake/reach replace

Hi,

The steering rake/reach adjuster on my '97 Mondeo has decided to give up the ghost. It was always a bit stiff and 'clicky' since I bought the car, and the last time I used it I heard a crack and a few bits of plastic dropped into the footwell. Not good.

The steering has 'failed safe,' so to speak, because it's not loose, so I'm not in any great rush to get this fixed.

I was hoping that would be a trivial task to replace the locking mechanism, but I think I might be wrong. As far as I can see, the only way to actually get at the lever to remove it, is to either remove the dash or pull out the steering column. Both not small jobs, the second requiring the use of a torque wrench (which I do not own).

Does anyone have any experience of fixing the steering adjust? If not, anyone care to hazard a guess at what a Ford dealer would charge to fix it? I'm guessing the answer is going to be 'too much'.

Any advice much appreciated.

Chris.

to give up the

the car, and

plastic dropped

loose, so I'm

locking mechanism,

way to actually

pull out the

I'm not familiar with the mechanics of the Mondeo system, but all the ones I know, can be taken apart after the s/wheel, shroud, and column switches are removed. The upper, sliding, part of the column might need removing, but that is all done from within the car.

Both not small jobs, the second requiring the use of a

You shouldn't need a torque wrench, to do what I describe. Just do the nuts up tight. Use some screwlock if you're worried about them coming loose.

If not,

charge to fix it?

I've no idea, but I'd guess it's 1-2 hrs work. I doubt the parts are very expensive. Mike.