Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Sierra, 2002 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2002 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Adjust the worm shaft and valve. Refer to Worm Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) .
- Rotate the stub shaft (3) back and forth to drain the power steering fluid.
- Loosen the adjuster lock nut (4).
- Turn the pitman shaft adjuster screw (1) counterclockwise until the screw is fully extended.
- Turn the pitman shaft adjuster screw (1) clockwise 1 full turn.
- Rotate the stub shaft (3) from stop to stop using a 12-point socket while counting the number of turns.
- Starting at either stop, turn the stub shaft (3) back half of the total number of turns. This is the center of the gear.
- Make sure that the gear is centered by checking the following items:
- The flat on the stub shaft (3) faces upward.
- The flat on the stub shaft (3) is parallel with the side cover (2).
- Align the master spline (5) on the pitman shaft (4) with the adjuster screw (1).
- Place a torque wrench on the stub shaft (2) with the handle in the vertical position.
- Rotate the stub shaft (2) 45 degrees from each side of the center of the stub shaft. The stub shaft (2) must rotate smoothly.
- Record the worm bearing preload measured on or near the center (1). The recorded bearing preload must be 0.7-1.7 N.m (6-15 in lbs) with the worm and the ball nut installed. If the torque is outside of this range, readjust or repair the steering gear assembly as required.
- To obtain the correct preload torque, adjust the over-center torque by turning the pitman shaft adjuster screw clockwise.
- Add 0.7-1.1 N.m (6-10 in lbs) torque to the previously measured worm bearing preload torque. Tighten the adjuster lock nut to 49 N.m (36 ft lbs). Prevent the adjuster screw from turning while tightening the adjuster lock nut.