Power Steering Gear: Notes

NOTE: The steering gear on this vehicle is used to adjust front wheel dynamic toe pattern through vehicles normal front suspension jounce and rebound travel.

Front wheel toe pattern is critical in controlling a vehicle's directional stability, as vehicles suspension moves through normal jounce and rebound travel. Toe pattern adjustment is done by installing (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 3.0 mm) shims between steering gear and steering gear mounting brackets. See Fig 1. A maximum of 9.5 mm (.375") shimming is allowed between steering gear and its mounting brackets. If steering gear is removed for any reason or a replacement steering gear is installed, same thickness of shim MUST be reinstalled between steering gear and mounting brackets. This is necessary to maintain correct front wheel toe pattern of vehicle, which is set during vehicle's assembly alignment procedure.

It is not necessary to do a front wheel toe pattern check or adjustment, if steering gear is removed from vehicle for service or replacement. The only time front wheel toe pattern is require to be checked or adjusted, is if frame of vehicle is damaged.

Fig 1: Steering Gear Toe Pattern Shim Locations

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION