Pitman Shaft Over-Center Turning Torque
NOTE:
Adjust worm bearing preload before performing this procedure. This procedure adjusts clearance between the rack piston and pitman shaft sector teeth.
- Remove steering gear. See STEERING GEAR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Rotate stub shaft in both directions to drain fluid from steering gear. Loosen pitman shaft adjuster lock nut. See Figure . Rotate pitman shaft adjuster screw counterclockwise until fully extended, and then turn clockwise one full turn.
- Turn stub shaft from stop to stop, counting number of turns between stops. Beginning at either stop, turn shaft away from stop 1/2 the number of turns counted. This centers the gear. With gear centered, flat on stub shaft should face upward, parallel to side cover, and master spline on pitman shaft should align with adjuster screw.
- Using an INCH lb. torque wrench with handle pointing upward, rotate stub shaft 45 degrees to each side of center to measure worm bearing preload torque. See Fig 1 . Record highest turning torque measured on or near center.
- If turning torque measured is not 6-15 INCH lbs. (.7-1.7 N.m), turn pitman shaft adjuster screw clockwise until torque is as specified, and then add 6-10 INCH lbs. (.7-1.1 N.m) to this specification. While preventing adjuster screw from turning, tighten lock nut.