Over-Center Preload

Fig. 2 Steering gear adjustments:

Prior to adjusting the steering gear, all outside loads must be removed.

1. Turn steering wheel gently from one stop over to other. Turn wheel back exactly half-way to center position.
2. Turn over center adjuster screw, Fig. 2, clockwise to take out all lash between ball nut and pitman shaft sector teeth.
3. Tighten jam nut to specifications.
4. Check torque at steering wheel, taking highest reading as wheel is turned through center position.
5. If necessary, loosen jam nut and adjust the over-center adjuster screw to obtain proper torque of 16 inch lbs. Tighten jam nut and recheck reading through center of travel.
6. If maximum torque is exceeded, turn the over-center adjuster screw counterclockwise, then come up on adjustment by turning jam nut clockwise.
7. Install pitman arm onto shaft, lining up marks made during removal.