>>M<< Total Pinion Torque Adjustment

CAUTION:

Be sure there is no ratcheting or catching when operating the rack towards the shaft.
Measure the total pinion torque through the whole stroke of the rack.

Using special tool MB991006, rotate the pinion shaft at the rate of one rotation in 4 to 6 seconds to check the total pinion torque and the change in torque.
Standard value:

Total pinion torque: 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]

CAUTION: When adjusting, set at the highest value of the standard value range.

NOTE: If the total pinion toque cannot be adjusted to the standard value within the standard range, replace the power steering gear and linkage assembly.
If the total pinion torque or the change in torque is outside the standard value, loosen the rack support cover once and retighten it to the specified torque 12 ± 2 N.m (106 ± 17 in-lb). And then loosen the rack support cover 10 degrees, and check the pinion torque again.

Fig 1: Checking Total Pinion Torque

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.