G 20 Van V6-262 4.3L VIN Z (1993)
Fig. 14 Stub shaft torque reading
1.
Loosen and remove adjuster plug nut, Fig. 12.
2.
Turn adjuster plug clockwise using spanner wrench tool J-7624 or equivalent, Fig. 4, until plug and thrust bearing are firmly bottomed in housing.
3.
Scribe an index mark on the housing even with a hole on adjuster plug.
4.
Measure back 3/16 - 1/4 inch from first index mark and scribe a second index mark. Fig. 13.
5.
Rotate adjuster plug counterclockwise until hole is aligned with second index mark.
6.
Install adjuster plug nut, tighten to specifications.
7.
Using an inch-pound torque wrench and a 12-point deep socket, measure torque required to turn stub shaft. Take reading with handle of torque
wrench near vertical position, Fig. 14. Turn stub shaft to right stop, then back 1/4 turn at an even rate. Record torque reading.
8.
Torque reading should be 4-10 inch lbs. If not, adjuster plug may not be tightened properly or may have turned during adjuster plug nut
installation. Thrust bearings and races may also be damaged.
Over Center Preload
Fig. 15 Stub shaft alignment
1.
Turn pitman shaft adjuster screw counterclockwise until fully extended, then reverse 1/2 turn clockwise.
2.
Rotate stub shaft from stop to stop and count number of turns.
3.
Starting at either stop, turn stub shaft halfway back. When gear is centered, flat on stub shaft will face upward and be parallel with side cover, Fig.
15.
4.
Place torque wrench on stub shaft and rotate 45° each side of center. Record highest drag torque measured on or near center.
5.
Adjust over-center drag torque by loosening adjuster screw jam nut and turning pitman shaft adjuster screw clockwise until correct drag torque is
obtained.
6.
On new steering gears, add 6-10 inch lbs. torque to previously measured worm bearing preload torque. Do not exceed a total steering gear
preload of 18 inch lbs.
7.
On used steering gears, add 4-5 inch lbs. torque to previously measured worm bearing preload torque. Do not exceed a total steering gear preload
of 14 inch lbs.
8.
Install and tighten adjuster screw jam nut to specifications.
