K 1500 Suburban 4WD V8-5.7L VIN R (1997)
Steering Gear: Adjustments
Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload
1. Remove steering gear from vehicle.
2. Rotate stub shaft back and forth to drain power steering fluid.
3. Loosen the adjuster lock nut (8).
4. Turn the pitman shaft adjuster screw counterclockwise until fully extended, then turn clockwise 1 full turn.
5. Rotate the stub shaft (40) from stop to stop, using a 12-point socket, and count the number of turns.
6. Starting at either stop, turn the stub shaft (40) back 1/2 the total number of turns. This is the "center" of the gear. When the gear is centered, the
flat on the stub shaft (40) should face upward and be parallel with the side cover (7) and the master spline on the pitman shaft should be in line
with the adjuster screw.
7. Place a torque wrench on the stub shaft (40) with the handle in the vertical position. Rotate the stub shaft (40) 45 degrees each side of the center.
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Stub shaft must rotate smoothly and must not stick or bind.
