Steering Gear Service

Fig. 1 Manual rack & pinion steering assembly:

Refer to Fig. 1 when servicing steering gear assembly.

STEERING PINION
Removal

1. Remove rack damper screw cap and damper screw.
2. Remove rack plunger spring and rack plunger.
3. Remove steering gear case packing.
4. Using tool J-34859 or equivalent, remove pinion bearing plug with oil seal.

Fig. 2 Separating pinion from housing:

5. Tap on position shown in Fig. 2 with a plastic hammer to separate pinion assembly from housing.



Inspection

1. Inspect pinion teeth for wear or damage.
2. Inspect oil seal for wear or damage.
3. Inspect plunger spring for deterioration and screw cap, screw and plunger for wear or damage.
4. Inspect gear case packing for damage. Replace all seals and any parts found defective.

Assembly

1. Apply grease to pinion teeth and gear case oil seal lip.
2. Install pinion assembly.
3. Install pinion case seal and bearing plug. Torque plug to 58-79.5 ft. lbs.
4. Install oil seal and gear case packing.
5. Install rack plunger, plunger spring and damper screw.

Fig. 3 Checking pinion torque:

6. After tightening damper screw, back it off 90 degrees and check rotational torque of pinion. Pinion torque should be 58-94 ft. lbs., Fig. 3.