Over Center Preload

Fig. 15 Stub shaft alignment:

1. Turn pitman shaft adjuster screw counterclockwise until fully extended, then reverse 1/2 turn clockwise.
2. Rotate stub shaft from stop to stop and count number of turns.
3. Starting at either stop, turn stub shaft halfway back. When gear is centered, flat on stub shaft will face upward and be parallel with side cover, Fig. 15.
4. Place torque wrench on stub shaft and rotate 45° each side of center. Record highest drag torque measured on or near center.
5. Adjust over-center drag torque by loosening adjuster screw jam nut and turning pitman shaft adjuster screw clockwise until correct drag torque is obtained.
6. On new steering gears, add 6-10 inch lbs. torque to previously measured worm bearing preload torque. Do not exceed a total steering gear preload of 18 inch lbs.
7. On used steering gears, add 4-5 inch lbs. torque to previously measured worm bearing preload torque. Do not exceed a total steering gear preload of 14 inch lbs.
8. Install and tighten adjuster screw jam nut to specifications.