Colt L4-1597cc 1.6L SOHC Turbo VIN F FI (1988)
5. Apply grease to oil seal lips, then install into gear housing.
6. Apply grease to dented portion of support yoke and sealer to yoke plug, then install support yoke, cushion rubber, yoke spring and plug into gear
housing. Adjust yoke plug with rack in neutral position using tool No. MB990607-A or equivalent and torque to 5-11 ft. lbs., then back off 30-60°.
Secure yoke plug with locknut, then torque locknut to 36-51 ft. lbs.
7. Install tie rod assembly as follows:
a. After tightening tie rod to rack to 58-72 ft. lbs., secure by staking rack keyway with punch.
b. Install bellow to gear housing, then secure with band. Tie rod side clip band should be installed after adjustment of toe-in.
c. Measure full rack stroke (lock to lock). The stroke should be 5.43 inches (138 mm). Refer to image for standard dimensions of tie rod and
rack and pinion assembly. The full stroke of rack determines maximum steering angle.
d. Torque tie rod locknuts to 36-40 ft. lbs. (49-54 Nm).
8. Preload of pinion should be measured by turning pinion at rate of a revolution every 4 to 6 seconds using tool No. MB990228. Preload should be
3.6-9.6 in. lbs. (.4-1.1 Nm). The rack starting force should be 11-66 lbs. If measured values are not within specifications, replace cushion rubber
and yoke spring and readjust as in step 6. Pinion preload should be measured over full stroke of rack.
Power Rack & Pinion Service
