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Home >> Pontiac >> 1981 >> T1000 2D Hatchback, Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Steering >> Power Steering >> Power Steering Gears - SAGINAW Ball Bearing Worm & Nut >> Adjustment >> Worm Bearing Preload

Worm Bearing Preload

  1. If steering gear is on vehicle, remove horn ring or button and disconnect pitman arm from sector shaft using a suitable puller. Turn steering wheel gently 1/2 turn from either stop, then loosen sector shaft adjusting screw several turns to eliminate sector load.
    Fig 1: Saginaw Ball Bearing Worm And Nut Steering Gear
    G09354241Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
    CAUTION: DO NOT turn steering wheel hard against stops with pitman arm removed from gear as damage to ball return guides could result.
  2. Use a torque wrench having a 50 INCH Lb. maximum scale or less to measure preload. Attach torque wrench to steering wheel nut and turn through a 90° arc observing torque reading. If less than 5-8 INCH Lbs., loosen adjuster lock nut and turn worm thrust bearing adjuster to increase preload. Tighten adjuster lock nut and recheck preload.