Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 GMC Savana 3500, 2019 GMC Savana 2500, 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500, and 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Remove the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Without LWN) , or Steering Gear Replacement (With LWN) .
- Loosen the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster nut (1).
- Turn the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw (2) counterclockwise until fully extended.
- Turn the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw (2) clockwise one full turn.
- Rotate the steering gear stub shaft (3) from stop to stop, using an open - ended crow foot while counting the number of turns.
- Starting at either stop, turn the steering gear stub shaft (3) back half the total number of turns counted previously. This is the centered position.
Make sure the steering gear pitman shaft is centered by checking the following items:
- The flat on the steering gear stub shaft (1) faces upward.
- The flat on the steering gear stub shaft is parallel with the steering gear side cover.
Place a torque wrench with an open-ended crow foot on the stub shaft with the handle in the vertical position.
- Rotate the steering gear stub shaft 45 degrees from each side of the center of the steering gear stub shaft. The steering gear stub shaft must rotate smoothly and must not stick or bind.
- Completely drain the steering gear housing by rotating the input shaft from stop to stop before recording any preload measurements.
- Record the steering gear worm bearing preload measured on or near the center.
- Recorded steering gear worm bearing preload must be 0.7 - 1.6 N.m (6.1 - 14.1 lb in), with the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster nut installed. If the torque is outside this range, readjust or repair the steering gear assembly as required.
- To obtain the correct preload torque, adjust the over center preload by turning the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw clockwise.
- Tighten the adjuster nut while holding the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw. Tighten the nut to 49 N.m (36 lb ft).
- Install the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Without LWN) , or Steering Gear Replacement (With LWN) .
NOTE:
Prevent the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw from turning while tightening the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster nut.
CAUTION:
Refer to Fastener Caution .