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.
Over-Center Preload
With locknut loosened and pitman shaft adjusting screw on side cover backed all the way out, turn the adjusting screw inward 1/2 turn. Place the gear in center straight-ahead position by rotating the stub shaft from one end stop to the other while counting turns, then rotate shaft back exactly 1/2 this number of turns. With In. Lb. torque wrench on stub wrench, note and record torque required to rotate shaft through this center position (this is combined ball and thrust bearing preload). Tighten adjusting screw until the turning torque as indicated on the torque wrench is 3-6 In. Lbs. greater than original torque reading; however, this torque reading must not exceed 16 In. Lbs. Tighten adjusting screw locknut to 35 ft.lbs. torque, recheck setting.
NO RELATED
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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.