Steering Gear Meshload Adjustment

Steering Gear Meshload Adjustment - F-250, F-350





All vehicles

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. For additional information, refer to Restraint Systems.

3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting.

4. Remove the drag link nut and cotter pin.





5. Using the Steering Arm Remover, separate the drag link from the pitman arm.





6. Rotate the steering wheel to the left stop and then rotate the steering wheel back approximately 45 degrees.

7. NOTE: The peak preload torque must be within 0.34-1.36 Nm (3-12 lb-in) or a new steering gear must be installed. For additional information, refer to Steering.

Attach an inch pound torque wrench to the steering wheel bolt and slowly and evenly rotate the steering wheel clockwise one-half turn (180 degrees).
- Record the peak preload torque.

8. Rotate the steering wheel to its centered position (approximately one and one-half turns from either stop). Place the torque wrench on the steering wheel bolt with the handle in the vertical position. Rotate the torque wrench slowly and evenly one-fourth turn (90 degrees) from each side of center.
- Record the peak on-center torque.

9. NOTE: The on-center torque must be 1.01-1.47 Nm (7-12 lb-in) greater than preload torque without exceeding a total of 2.32 Nm (20.5 lb-in). The on-center torque minus the preload torque is the meshload torque.

If necessary, carry out the following steps to adjust the on-center torque.

Vehicles with 6.4L diesel

10. Remove the upper cooling fan shroud. For additional information, refer to Cooling System &/or Engine Block Heater.

All vehicles

11. NOTE: Rotate the meshload screw clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease.

Hold the meshload screw, loosen the locknuts and then adjust the meshload screw to the correct rotating torque.





12. Verify that the on center torque is to specification.
- Readjust if necessary.

13. Hold the meshload screw and tighten the locknut to 31 Nm (23 lb-ft).
- Tighten the jam nut to 17 Nm (150 lb-in).





14. Position the drag link, and install the nut and cotter pin.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).





Vehicles with 6.4L diesel

15. Install the upper cooling fan shroud. For additional information, refer to Cooling System &/or Engine Block Heater.

All vehicles

16. Install the driver air bag. For additional information, refer to Restraint Systems.