Steering: Service Precautions

SAGINAW RACK & PINION GEAR

To prevent damage to the rack and pinion boot seal during removal, the following should be noted. Slide the small end of the boot toward the rack until the groove is exposed. Place a small rubber band in the groove, then slide the small end of the boot over the rubber band and off the threaded end of the tie rod.
Lip seals, which seal rotating shafts, require special treatment. This type of seal is used on the steering gear at the pinion shaft and on the pump drive shaft. When a leak occurs in these areas, always inspect and thoroughly clean sealing surface before replacing. Replace seals only if severe pitting is found. If lip seal contact zone corrosion is slight, clean the surface of the shaft with crocus cloth. Replace only if the leakage cannot be stopped by smoothing with crocus cloth first.

SAGINAW INTEGRAL POWER STEERING GEAR

Four factors affect operation of the steering system: fluid level and condition, drive belt tension, pump pressure and steering gear adjustment. These should always be checked before any major service operations are performed.
Conditions such as, hard or loose steering, road shock or vibrations are not always due to steering gear or pump, but are often related instead to such factors as low tire pressure and front end alignment. These factors should be checked and corrected before any adjustment of the steering gear is made.
If fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to proper level on dipstick and replace filler cap.

STEERING COLUMNS

When the steering column is installed in the vehicle it is not susceptible to damage through ordinary use; however, when it is removed, care must be taken during handling. Such actions as a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft or shift levers, leaning on the column assembly or dropping of the assembly could loosen or shear the plastic shear joints or rivets used to maintain column rigidity. Hammering, jolting or bumping the steering shaft and gearshift tube must be avoided during all service operations. If the shear pins are broken, the controlled length of the telescoping design will be altered making these components unfit for further service. When removing the steering wheel, only a steering wheel puller designed for this purpose must be used.
It is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used during the assembly procedure and tightened to specifications to insure proper breaking action of the column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts or fasteners as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing. When replacing fasteners, replace with the same part number or equivalent.
When removing or installing the steering wheel, ignition switch, lock cylinder, turn signal switch, neutral start switch, back-up light switch or adjusting column shift manual transmission linkage refer to the appropriate vehicle chapter.