Worm Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle

Tools Required 

• J 42882  Adjuster Nut Socket
• J 43435  Adjuster Lock Nut Wrench

1. Rotate the stub shaft back and forth in order to drain the power steering fluid.
2. Remove the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut from the steering gear housing using J 43435  and a torque wrench.
   Fig 1: Identifying Adjuster Lock Nut Wrench

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Turn the adjuster nut assembly (1) clockwise using J 42882  until the adjuster nut assembly (1) and the thrust support assembly (2) are firmly bottomed in the steering gear housing (3). Tighten the adjuster nut assembly (1) to 28-31 N.m (20-23 lb ft).
   Fig 2: Identifying Adjuster Nut Socket

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Place an index mark (1) on the steering gear housing (4) parallel with one of the holes (3) in the adjuster nut assembly (2).
   Fig 3: Placing Index Mark On Steering Gear Housing

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Measure back counterclockwise 13 mm (1/2 in).
6. Place a second mark (2) on the steering gear housing (1).
   Fig 4: Placing A Second Mark On Steering Gear Housing

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Using J 42882  and a torque wrench, turn the adjuster nut assembly (1) counterclockwise 15-25 degrees to align the hole (2) in the adjuster nut assembly (1) with the second mark (4) on the steering gear housing (3).
   Fig 5: Aligning Hole In Adjuster Nut Assembly With Second Mark On Steering Gear Housing

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Install the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut.
9. Hold the adjuster nut assembly in position to maintain alignment of the marks.
10. Tighten the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut using J 43435  and a torque wrench.
Fig 6: Tightening Coupling Shield Retainer & Lock Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Tighten the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut to 109 N.m (80 lb ft).
12. To adjust the pitman shaft, refer to Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle  .