Steering Gear Total Pinion Torque Check: Notes

Required Special Tool:

CAUTION:

When holding the steering gear in a vice, secure its mounting positions. If it is secured in any other place, the gear housing may become deformed or damaged.
Do not loosen the adjust screw more than 2 rotations.
If the adjust screw is loosened more than 2 rotations, or if it is removed, replace the steering gear assembly.

Using special tool MB991006, rotate the pinion gear at the rate of one rotation in approximately 4 to 6 seconds to check the total pinion torque.
Standard value: 0.8 - 1.9 N.m (7.1 - 16.8 in-lb)

[Change in torque: 0.7 N.m (6.2 in-lb) or less]

Fig 1: Checking Pinion Torque
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

NOTE: When measuring, remove the bellows from the rack housing. Measure the pinion torque through the whole stroke of the rack.
If the measured value is not within the standard range, first adjust the adjust screw, and then check the total pinion torque again.
If the total pinion torque cannot be adjusted to within the standard range by adjusting the adjust screw, replace the power steering gear.

Fig 2: Identifying Gear Housing, Rack & Adjusting Screw
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.