Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment

1. Remove steering gear from vehicle.
2. Rotate stub shaft back and forth to drain power steering fluid.
3. Loosen the adjuster lock nut (8).
4. Turn the pitman shaft adjuster screw counterclockwise until fully extended, then turn clockwise 1 full turn.

Aligning The Stub Shaft:

5. Rotate the stub shaft (40) from stop to stop, using a 12-point socket, and count the number of turns.
6. Starting at either stop, turn the stub shaft (40) back 1/2 the total number of turns. This is the "center" the gear.

Aligning Pitman Shaft Master Spline:

- When the gear is centered, the flat on the stub shaft (40) should face upward and be parallel with the side cover (7) and the master spline on the pitman shaft should be in line with the adjuster screw.

Checking Over-Center Rotational Torque:

7. Place a torque wrench on the stub shaft (40) with the handle in the vertical position. Rotate the stub shaft (40) 45 degrees each side of the center.
- Stub shaft must rotate smoothly and must not stick or bind.
- Record the worm bearing preload measured on or near the center.
- Recorded bearing preload to be 0.7-1.7 Nm (6-15 inch lbs.), with worm and ballnut installed. If the torque is outside this range, the gear assembly should be readjusted or repaired as required.

CAUTION: Always use the correct fastener In the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion Inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener pint Interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and pint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these Instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

Adjust
1. Over-center torque by turning the pitman shaft adjuster screw clockwise until the correct preload torque is obtained.
2. Add 0.7-1.1 Nm (6-10 inch lbs.) torque to the previously measured worm bearing preload torque.
- Tighten the adjuster lock nut (8) to 49 Nm (36 lb. ft.).
3. Prevent adjuster screw from turning while tightening adjuster lock nut (8).
8. Install steering gear.