Over-Center Preload
- With worm bearing preload adjusted, turn steering wheel slowly from stop-to-stop while counting total number of turns. Turn steering wheel back to the exact center position.
- Loosen pitman shaft adjuster screw lock nut (located in center of pitman shaft side cover) clockwise until all lash is taken out between ball nut and sector teeth. See Figure . Tighten lock nut. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Rotate steering wheel slightly off center position then attach an INCH-pound torque wrench to steering wheel nut.
- Rotate steering wheel back through center position and note rotating torque. Rotating torque should be 4-10 INCH lbs. (.5-1.1 N.m) in excess of worm bearing preload. Maximum torque should not exceed 16 INCH lbs. (1.8 N.m). If rotating torque is not within specification, adjust pitman shaft adjuster screw.CAUTION: If maximum torque is exceeded, rotate pitman shaft adjuster screw counterclockwise and adjust by rotating lock nut clockwise.
- After all adjustments are completed, install pitman arm onto pitman shaft. Ensure pitman arm-to-pitman shaft reference marks are aligned. Install pitman arm spring washer and nut. On 4WD models, install flexible coupling and flexible coupling-to-intermediate shaft retaining screw. Tighten bolts and nuts to specifications. See the TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.