Worm Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Savana Special, 2003 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2003 GMC Savana, 2003 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2003 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

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

Rotate the stub shaft back and forth in order to drain the power steering fluid.
Remove the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut from the steering gear housing using J-43435 and a torque wrench.

Fig 1: Removing Coupling Shield Retainer & Lock Nut Using J-43435 & Torque Wrench
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
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

Tighten the adjuster nut assembly (1) to 29.5 N.m (21.5 lb ft).

Fig 2: Turning Adjuster Nut Assembly Clockwise Using J-42882
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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.
Measure back counterclockwise 13 mm (1/2 in).
Place a second mark (2) on the steering gear housing (1).

Fig 4: Placing Second Mark On Steering Gear Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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: Turning Adjuster Nut Assembly Counterclockwise Using J-42882
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut.
Hold the adjuster nut assembly in position to maintain alignment of the marks.
Tighten the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut using J-43435 and a torque wrench.
Tighten

Tighten the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut to 109 N.m (80 lb ft).
To adjust the pitman shaft, refer to Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) .

Fig 6: Tightening Coupling Shield Retainer & Lock Nut Using J-43435 & Torque Wrench
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.