6000 V6-260 4.3L DSL (1982)
Steering Gear: All Technical Service Bulletins
Power Steering - Rattle or Clunk at Steering Column
Number 83-T-68
Section 3
Date 2/84
Subject:
1982-83 6000 AND PHOENIX - RATTLES OR CLUNK IN POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY
A rattle or clunk noise may be transmitted up from the steering column area on a 1982-83 6000 or Phoenix equipped with power steering while driving
on a rough road or hitting bumps. This condition may be caused by the following conditions:
1.
Rack Bearing Adjustment
Bump force on the steering rack may compress the rack bearing adjuster spring resulting in a clunk or rattle. Adjust the rack bearing adjuster plug
"back off" to the minimum specification of 50~ to correct. Back off specifications is 50~ to 70~.
2.
Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly
Dealer Technical Bulletin 82-T-82 describes a lower steering column rattle which can be repaired by installing a spring on the shaft assembly
slip-section.
Instances can be encountered where due to tolerances in the shaft assembly the spring may not completely eliminate the noise. The spring is
installed on 1983 production gears by Saginaw Steering. If the noise is diagnosed as being from the shaft assembly and the spring is already
installed, replace the intermediate shaft assembly. This would apply to 1982 and 1983 6000 and Phoenix.
3.
Clunk Noise Transmitted Into the Steering Gear Assembly
A condition could be encountered, for example, where a clunk noise in a MacPherson strut may be thought to be coming from the steering system.
Eliminate suspension noise potential sources such as the struts or springs when diagnosing a steering system for rattles.
4.
A Rattle or Clunking Noise from the Rack and Pinion Assembly may also be caused by:
A.
Power steering pressure hose touching other parts of the car.
B.
Tie rod end loose.
C.
Rack and pinion attachment loose.
