Worm Bearing Preload

Fig. 2 Steering gear adjustments:

Fig. 3 Over-center preload adjustment:

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

1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove pitman arm nut, then mark relationship of pitman arm to pitman shaft to aid during reassembly.
3. Remove pitman arm using a suitable puller.
4. Loosen steering gear adjuster plug lock nut, then back off adjuster plug 1/4 turn, Fig. 2.
5. Remove horn cap or cover to gain access to the steering wheel attaching nut.
6. Turn steering wheel gently in one direction to stop, then turn back 1/2 turn to position steering gear away from ``high point'' load position. Do not turn wheel hard against steering stops with pitman arm disconnected as damage to gear ball guides can result.
7. Position suitable inch pound torque wrench on steering wheel hub nut, Fig. 3, then while rotating steering wheel with inch pound wrench through a 90 ° arc, record and measure ``bearing drag.'' Do not use an inch pound wrench of more than 50 inch pound capacity.
8. Adjust thrust bearing preload as follows:
a. Torque adjuster plug, Fig. 2, until proper loading preload is 0 (6.5 inch lbs.).
b. Tighten adjuster nut to specifications.
c. If gear feels lumpy after adjustment, bearing damage is indicated. Gear should be disassembled and inspected as necessary.