Sable V6-232 3.8L (1988)
Steering Gear: Adjustments
Rack yoke bearing preload is the only service adjustment required. This adjustment is performed with the steering gear removed from the vehicle.
1.
Clean exterior of steering gear, then install two long bolts and washers through bushings and attach to bench fixture T57L-500-B or equivalent.
2.
Do not remove external pressure lines unless damaged or leaking. Drain power steering fluid by rotating input shaft from lock to lock two times
using tool No. T74P-3504-R, or equivalent (T86P-3504-K Sable & Taurus). Cover ports on valve housing with a clean shop cloth while draining
gear.
3.
Position an inch lb. torque wrench and tool No. T74P-3504-R, or equivalent, on input shaft splines.
Fig. 2 Loosening Yoke Plug Locknut
4.
Loosen yoke plug locknut using tool No. T78P-3504-H, or equivalent, then loosen yoke plug using a {3-4} in. socket wrench, Fig. 2.
5.
Clean yoke plug threads, then with rack at center of travel, torque yoke plug to 45 to 50 inch lbs.
6.
Bake off yoke plug approximately {1-8} turn until torque required to rotate input shaft is 7 to 18 inch lbs.
7.
While holding yoke plug in position, torque locknut to 40 to 50 ft. lbs. Using tool No. T78P-3504-H, or equivalent. Recheck input shaft rotating
torque after tightening locknut.
8.
If the external pressure lines were removed in step two, they must be replaced with new pressure lines. Remove the copper seals from the pressure
ports previous to installation of new lines.
9.
Remove steering gear from holding fixture, then install external pressure lines. Torque pump to gear and return line fittings to 10 to 15 ft. lbs.
Torque valve and power cylinder (gear housing) fittings to or 22 to 28 ft. lbs.
