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.
Preliminary Adjustment
Worm bearing preload adjustment MUST be made first; then, make over-center preload adjustment. DO NOT reverse the order of adjustment. Adjustment of steering gear can be made on or off vehicle in most cases. When making the worm bearing preload adjustment with gear on vehicle, the pitman arm must be disconnected or the steering linkage disconnected from the pitman arm. The torque wrench can be connected directly to the worm shaft (input shaft) or to steering wheel retaining nut (steering column drag is negligible). When making the over-center preload adjustment, torque wrench is attached to the sector shaft (after removing pitman arm) or the steering wheel nut.
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:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.