Steering Gear: Adjustments
ADJUSTMENTSCAUTION: Steering gear must be adjusted in the proper order. If adjustments are not performed in order, gear damage and improper steering response may result.
NOTE: Adjusting the steering gear in the vehicle is not recommended. Remove gear from the vehicle and drain the fluid. Then mount gear in a vise to perform adjustments.
WORM THRUST BEARING PRELOAD
NOTE: Off center torque (180 - 360 ° from gear center) = 0.4 - 0.8 Nm (3.5 - 7.0 in. lbs.). This torque is set in the assembly plant and can't be adjusted in the field
OVER-CENTER ROTATING TORQUE
1. Mount the gear carefully into a vise.
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear case. This may affect the adjustment
2. Rotate the input shaft with a crows foot socket from stop to stop and count the number of turns.
3. Starting at either stop, turn the input shaft back 1/2 the total number of turns. This is the center of the gear travel.
4. Loosen the adjuster plug locknut.
5. Place the torque wrench in the vertical position on the input shaft. Rotate the wrench 50 degrees each side of the center and record the highest rotational torque in this range. This is the OverCenter Rotating Torque.
NOTE: The input shaft must rotate smoothly without sticking or binding.
6. The Over-Center Rotating Torque should be 0.53 - 0.93 Nm (4.5 - 8 in. lbs.) higher in addition to the off center torque from above. than the Preload Rotating Torque.
7. If an adjustment to the Over-Center Rotating Torque is necessary, first loosen the adjuster lock nut. Then turn the pitman shaft adjuster screw back (COUNTERCLOCKWISE) increases torque, (CLOCKWISE) reduces torque.
8. Remeasure Over-Center Rotating Torque. If necessary turn the adjuster screw and repeat measurement until correct Over-Center Rotating Torque is reached.
NOTE: To increase the Over-Center Rotating Torque turn the screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE.
9. Prevent the adjuster screw from turning while tightening adjuster lock nut. Tighten the adjuster lock nut to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.).