Steering Gear: Adjustments

MESHLOAD ADJUSTMENT

Special Tool(s):

1. NOTE: The engine should not be running.

Turn the steering wheel from right lock to left lock at least once.

2. Remove the driver air bag.

3. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Raise and support the vehicle.





4. Remove the castellated nut.
1. Remove the cotter pin.
2. Remove the castellated nut.





5. Separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
- Use the Pitman Arm Puller to separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.

6. NOTE: The front wheel should not touch the ground.

Lower and support the front of the vehicle.





7. NOTE: Reset the steering gear meshload only if the measured rotating torque for total on-center load is less than specification.

Attach a Win torque wrench to the bolt and measure the steering gear meshload from center.





8. Adjust if not within specification.
9. Remove the fan blade assembly and fan shroud.





10. Adjust the sector shaft to proper rotating torque.
1. Hold the sector shaft and loosen the lock nut.
2. Adjust the sector shaft.





11. Verify that the rotating torque is to specification.
- Reset if necessary.





12. Tighten the lock nut.
1. Hold the sector shaft.
2. Tighten the lock nut.





13. Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link, castellated nut and cotter pin.

14. NOTE: If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.

Lower the vehicle.
15. Install the driver air bag.