Steering Gear Preload and Backlash

1. Set worm gear in a straight ahead position.

CAUTION: Carefully insert sector shaft in gear housing, being careful not to scratch oil seal.

2. Turn adjusting screw until sector shaft just contacts ball nut. Temporarily tighten lock nut.
3. Lubricate contacting portion of sector shaft and ball nut with gear oil or bearing grease.





4. Adjust steering gear turning torque in a straight ahead position using Tool, then lock with lock nut.

CAUTION:
^ Always adjust steering gear preload by turning adjusting screw in clockwise direction.
^ Rotate worm gear a few turns in both directions to seat steering gear assembly.

5. Measure turning torque at 360° position from straight ahead position using Tools. Turning torque at 360°: 0.69 - 0.88 Nm (6.1 - 7.8 inch lbs.)
6. Measure turning torque at straight ahead position. Straight ahead position is a position where stub shaft is turned 2.14 turns (two full turns and 50°) from lock position. Turning torque at straight ahead position: 0.20 - 0.39 Nm (1.7 - 3.5 inch lbs.) higher than turning torque at 360°. Maximum turning torque: 1.08 Nm (9.5 inch lbs.)
If turning torque is not within specifications, adjust by turning sector shaft adjusting screw.





7. Turn worm gear several times by hand to properly break in worm bearing.
8. Check steering gear preload. Readjust as necessary.





9. Measure total preload.
10. Check backlash.
Measure backlash at top end of pitman arm in straight ahead position.
Backlash (in straight ahead position): 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) or less