Steering Gear: Adjustments

Steering Gear

Preload (thrust bearing adjustment) and worm-to-rack preload cannot be changed in service. The only adjustment that can be performed is the total over-center 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 wheel hub and turn steering wheel 45° from left stop.
5. Using an inch lb. torque wrench on steering wheel nut, determine torque required to rotate shaft slowly through an approximately 1/4 turn from the 45° position.
6. Turn steering gear back to center, then determine torque required to rotate shaft back and forth across center position.

Fig. 2 Adjusting Mesh Load:

7. Loosen adjuster nut and turn adjusting screw, Fig. 2, until reading is as follows:
a. On 1989 models with 0-5000 miles, reset if total mesh load over mechanical center is not 14-29 inch lbs.
b. On 1989 models with 0-5000 miles, set torque rocking across center to a value of 14-20 inch lbs. greater than that measured 45° from right stop.
c. On 1990-91 models with 0-5000 miles, reset if total mesh load over mechanical center is not 15-24 inch lbs.
d. On 1990--91 models with 0-5000 miles, set torque rocking across center to a value of 11-15 inch lbs. greater than that measured 45° from right stop.
e. On all models with more than 5000 miles, reset if mesh load measured while rocking input shaft over center is less then 10 inch lbs. greater then the torque 45° from right stop.
f. On all models over 5000 miles, set torque measured rocking across center to a value of 10-14 inch lbs. greater than measured 45° from right stop.
8. Recheck readings and replace pitman arm and steering wheel.
9. Connect fluid return line and replenish reservoir.

Valve Spool Centering Check

The ``out-of-car'' procedure for valve centering check is the same as for the ``in-car'' except the torque and simultaneous pressure reading must be made at the right and left stops instead of either side of center.
1. Install a 2000 psi pressure gauge in pressure line between pump outlet port and steering gear inlet port. Make sure that valve on gauge in is fully open position.
2. Check fluid level in reservoir and replenish as required.
3. Start engine and cycle steering wheel from stop-to-stop to bring steering lubricant up to normal operating temperature. Stop engine and recheck reservoir. Add fluid as necessary.
4. With engine running at a fast idle speed (1000 RPM) and steering wheel centered, attach an inch-pound torque wrench to steering wheel retaining nut. Apply sufficient torque to wrench in each direction (either side of center) to get a gauge reading of 250 psi.
5. The torque reading should be the same in both directions. If the difference between readings exceed 4 inch lbs., the shaft and control assemblies must be replaced.