The only time I've ever adjusted the worm gear bearing preload is during a rebuild. Count the turns of the steering gear lock-to-lock, then turn back exactly halfway from one end of the travel. This should put you at the area of zero clearance. Any steering wheel movement at this point should result in movement of the Pitman arm. If not, tighten the sector adjusting screw gently until you eliminate the slack. Don't overdo it. That's the preliminary adjustment. Now for the fine-tuning- - - -the most accurate way to adjust a steering gear is to disconnect the drag link, where nothing but the gear is moving. If that's not possible for some reason, at least jack up the front end where the wheels aren't touching the ground. Turn the steering wheel about 1/2 turn off the center point, and put an inch-pound torque wrench on the steering wheel nut. Turn the gear across the center point. The turning torque should increase 10 in./lb. as the gear rolls over center. For instance, if it takes 15 in/lb to turn the gear when it's off the center point, the turning torque should rise to 25 as it goes over center, then return to 15 once it's past the center point. Adjust the sector bearing preload screw until the readings are correct. After you've adjusted a couple of hundred steering gears, you should be able to "feel" the right sector gear adjustment. If the torque rises, drops at the center, rises again, then drops, the gears are worn out and must be replaced.
Jerry
Last edited by Hotrod Lincoln; 01/30/2011 4:18 PM.
