Steering Gear Adjustment

Preload (thrust bearing adjustment) and worm-to-rack preload cannot be changed in service. The only adjustment that can be performed is the total overcenter position load to eliminate excessive lash between sector and rack teeth.
1. Disconnect pitman arm from sector shaft.
2. Disconnect fluid return line at reservoir and cap reservoir return line pipe.
3. Place end of return line in a clean container and cycle steering wheel in both directions as required to discharge fluid from gear.
4. Remove ornamental cover from steering wheel hub, then turn steering wheel 45° from right stop.
5. Using an inch-lb. torque wrench on steering wheel nut, determine torque required to rotate shaft slowly through approximately 1/8 turn from 45° position.
6. Turn steering gear back to center, then determine torque required to rotate shaft back and forth across center position.
7. On 1988-89 models, adjust if mesh load required to rotate shaft back and forth across center position is less than 10 inch lbs. greater than force required to rotate shaft from 45° to stop. If necessary to adjust, loosen adjusting nut and turn adjusting screw until reading is 10-14 inch lbs. greater than torque measured 45° from stop. Hold screw in place, then tighten locknut.
8. On 1990-92 models, adjust if mesh load required to rotate shaft back and forth across center position is less than 10 inch lbs. greater than force required to rotate shaft from 45° to stop. If necessary to adjust, loosen adjusting nut and turn adjusting screw until reading is 9-13 inch lbs. greater than torque measured 45° from stop. Hold screw in place, then tighten locknut.
9. Check readings, then install pitman arm and steering wheel cover.
10. Connect fluid return line and replenish reservoir.