Parts for your 1996 Ford Falcon-Steering rack

1996 Ford Falcon Steering Rack: What It Does and How to Look After It

Yes, a steering rack is absolutely relevant to the 1996 Ford Falcon. Technical references including the Ford Australia EF/EL Falcon Workshop Manual, Gregory’s Service & Repair Manual for EF–EL (1994–1998), and Ford’s Microcat parts catalogue all specify a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering gear for 1996 EF and early EL Falcons. That means every 1996 Falcon variant runs a steering rack, not a steering box.

On a 1996 Falcon, the steering rack converts the rotation of the steering wheel into the side-to-side movement that points the front wheels. With hydraulic assistance, it keeps the wheel feel light around town and stable at highway speeds. It’s the heart of how the car tracks straight, turns in cleanly, and keeps tyres wearing evenly.

As part of servicing a 1996-Ford-Falcon steering-rack, it pays to check a few usual suspects. Look for dampness on the rack boots or crossmember (a hint the pinion or end seals are weeping), split rack boots, free play in inner or outer tie-rod ends, and flogged-out rack mounting bushes. If it wanders, feels notchy, or there’s a clunk over bumps, the rack or its attachments deserve a closer look.

• Fluid: Use ATF meeting Dexron II or Dexron III. Don’t mix with generic power steering fluid.
• Inspection interval: At least annually, or every 15,000–20,000 km with the rest of the underbody checks.
• Fluid refresh: Many owners opt to flush every 60,000–100,000 km to keep assist smooth and seals happy.
• After any rack work: Always book a wheel alignment.

Replacement options include quality remanufactured exchange racks or new units. A proper job will include new rack boots, fresh inner/outer tie rods as needed, new mounting bushes, and fresh fluid. When bleeding the system after fitment, raise the front wheels, fill with Dexron III, and cycle the wheel slowly lock-to-lock with the engine off until bubbles stop. Then start the engine and repeat, avoiding holding full lock for more than a second or two. Top up and recheck for leaks.

Typical symptoms of a tired rack on an EF/EL include heavier steering, vague on-centre feel, uneven tyre wear, oil stains under the front, and a steering wheel that doesn’t quite self-centre. Sort it early and the Falcon will steer sweetly for years.

Popular questions

Does a 1996 Ford Falcon have a rack-and-pinion steering rack?
Yes. The EF/EL-platform Falcons (including 1996 builds) use a power-assisted rack-and-pinion unit. This is documented in the Ford EF/EL Workshop Manual, Gregory’s EF–EL manual, and Ford’s parts catalogue listings.

What fluid should be used in the 1996 Falcon’s steering rack?
Use automatic transmission fluid that meets Dexron II or Dexron III specifications. Check and top up with the same spec only. Many owners prefer Dexron III for availability and additive package compatibility.

How do you bleed the steering after replacing the rack on an EF/EL Falcon?
With the front wheels off the ground, fill the reservoir with Dexron III and, engine off, turn the wheel slowly lock-to-lock 15–20 times. Top up as bubbles purge. Then start the engine and repeat a few slow sweeps, avoiding holding full lock. Recheck fluid level and look for leaks, then road test and follow up with a wheel alignment.