Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Thrust Bearing Preload
Disconnect pitman arm from drag link using suitable puller, check flexible coupling and make certain it is not distorted or binding. Turn steering wheel to either end position just off the stop, attach spring tension scale to steering wheel rim. Pull required to turn wheel through an arc not greater than one inch should be 4-12 ounces (thrust bearing and friction drag). If pull not within these limits, loosen adjuster plug lock-nut and back off adjuster plug 1/8 turn. Recheck steering wheel pull, adjust preload by tightening adjuster plug until turning pull at wheel rim is 2-6 ounces in excess of drag measured with adjuster plug backed off. Tighten adjuster plug locknut and recheck turning pull to make certain it has not changed.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.