Reassembly & Adjustment (Chassis No. 99.022.279 & Later)

Lubricate steering gear complete with suitable steering gear grease as it cannot be lubricated after installation. Seat the lower pinion bearing.
CAUTION: Make sure both pinion bearings are the right way up. The extended parts of inner bearing track should face each other.

Thread lock nut on rack, then outer bearing cup on rack and fill with grease. Insert spring and inner bearing cup and tighten bearing cup.

CAUTION: Do not over tighten.

Fig 1: Inner Ball Joint, New Design
Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.
Tighten lock nut and recheck tightness of bearing cup. Drill a new hole and install cotter pin. Insert rack in housing and pinion with upper bearing. Adjust pinion, using shims, so that no axial play is present with gasket and cap in place. Adjust axial play as follows: Install plunger without spring, install cap and tighten screw until it contacts plunger (see illustration).

Fig 2: Cap & Plunger Clearance
Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.
Measure clearance between cap and housing using a feeler gauge. Add 0.002 - 0.006" shim to measured distance to allow for play after assembly. Install plunger, spring, shims, gasket and cap. Check that rack does not stick in any position. Torque should be 0.83 - 1.5 ft.

Fig 3: Steering Gear Torque
Courtesy of SAAB-SCANIA OF AMERICA, INC.
Assemble other ball joint and adjust. Install bellows and clips. Install tie rod ends and lock nuts. Tighten all nuts and bolts.