Comanche 2WD L4-150 2.5L VIN E TBI (1989)
Steering Gear: Adjustments
Worm Thrust Bearing
Fig. 8 Adjusting thrust bearing preload
1.
Loosen and remove adjuster plug locknut.
2.
Turn adjuster plug in (clockwise) until the plug and thrust bearing are firmly bottomed. Torque to approximately 20 ft. lbs.
3.
Mark housing even with one of the holes in adjuster plug.
4.
Measure back (counterclockwise direction) 3/16 to 1/4 inch and mark housing
5.
Rotate adjuster (counterclockwise) until hole in adjuster aligns with second mark.
6.
Tighten locknut securely and hold adjuster plug to maintain alignment of hole with mark.
7.
Using an inch-pound torque wrench, turn stub shaft to right stop then back 1/4 turn.
8.
Measure and record torque. Reading should be taken with beam of torque wrench near vertical while turning counterclockwise at an even rate.
9.
If reading is less than 4, or more than 10 inch lbs., use alternate procedures as follows:
a.
Loosen sector shaft preload adjuster screw locknut and turn preload adjuster screw 1-1/2 turns counterclockwise.
b.
Retighten the locknut.
c.
Loosen but do not remove the adjuster plug locknut.
d.
Loosen the adjuster plug one turn counterclockwise.
e.
Turn stub shaft to right stop and then back 1/4 turn.
f.
Measure drag torque, using an inch-pound torque wrench.
g.
Bottom adjuster plug firmly approximately 20 inch lbs. by turning it clockwise, then back it off until the torque reading is 3-4 inch lbs. in
excess of drag torque.
h.
Tighten adjuster plug locknut securely.
Preload torque tends to drop when the locknut is tightened. Torque reading must be rechecked with locknut tight, and the torque must still be 3-4 inch
lbs. in excess of seal drag.
It is not possible to properly adjust thrust bearing preload unless adjuster plug is firmly bottomed out and torque set while adjuster plug is loosened.
Never attempt to adjust thrust preload while tightening or advancing adjuster plug into gear assembly.
