B2300 Regular Cab 2WD L4-2.3L VIN A (1997)
Steering Gear: Adjustments
Manual Steering
NOTE: The following adjustment requires removal of the steering gear.
PRELOAD AND MESH-LOAD
1. Tighten the sector cover bolts to 43 - 54 Nm (32 - 40 ft. lbs.).
2. Loosen the preload adjuster locknut and tighten the worm bearing adjuster nut until all end play has been removed.
3. Lubricate the worm-shaft seal with a drop of ATF Type-F (M2C33-F) or Dexron II.
4. Carefully turn the worm-shaft all the way to the right with a torque wrench.
5. Measure the left turn torque required to rotate the worm-shaft at a constant speed for approximately 1-1/2 turns.
6. Tighten or loosen the adjuster nut until 0.56 - 0.68 Nm (5 - 6 inch lbs.) of preload is obtained.
7. Tighten the adjuster locknut to 225 - 253 Nm (166 - 187 ft. lbs.).
8. Rotate the worm-shaft from stop to stop, counting the total number of turns, then turn back halfway, placing the gear on center.
9. Measure the highest reading while the worm-shaft is turned approximately 90° either way across the center with a torque wrench.
10. If the highest reading (mesh-load) is not within 102 - 124 Nm (9 - 11 inch lbs.) and at least 0.45 Nm (4 inch lbs.) over the preload, turn the sector
shaft adjusting screw as required.
11. Hold the sector shaft adjusting screw and tighten the locknut to 19 - 34 Nm (14 - 25 ft. lbs.).
