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.
Chevrolet, Over Center Adjustment
Disconnect pitman arm. Loosen pitman shaft adjusting screw lock nut and thread adjusting screw out to its limit of travel. Disconnect battery cable, remove horn button or shroud. With steering wheel centered in its travel, check combined ball and thrust bearing preload with an inch pound torque wrench on steering shaft nut. Note highest reading by rotating through center of travel (approximately 1/4 turn in each direction). Tighten pitman shaft adjusting screw, check torque at steering shaft nut until over center preload and total steering gear preload falls within specifications.
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.