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.
Description & Operation
Steering gear is a recirculating ball type. It contains a ball nut connected to steering worm and meshing with sector gear. Gears are basically the same for all models and service procedures will apply to all gears unless noted otherwise.
Helical grooves within ball nut match helical grooves in worm. Ball bearings roll within grooves when steering wheel is turned. There are 2 complete circuits using tubular ball guides to deflect balls away from their helical path at one end of groove and guide them back to other end.
When steering wheel is turned to right, nut moves upward; when turned to left, nut moves downward. The teeth on sector (forged as part of pitman shaft) and the ball nut are designed so a tighter fit exists when the wheels are straight ahead.
Adjustment is obtained by turning adjustment screw. The screw moves pitman shaft endwise, permitting engagement of tapered teeth of the ball nut and sector gear. Worm bearing adjuster can be turned to provide proper preloading of the upper and lower bearings.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.