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PATH:SteeringPower Recirculating Ball Steering GearAdjustmentsMeshload
Meshload
- Raise and support the front end on jackstands.
- Matchmark the pitman arm and gear housing.
- Set the wheels in a straight-ahead position.
- Disconnect the pitman arm from the sector shaft.
- Disconnect the fluid RETURN line at the pump reservoir and cap the reservoir nipple.
- Place the end of the return line in a clean container and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few times to expel the fluid from the gear.
- Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right stop. Place a small piece of masking tape on the steering wheel rim as a reference and rotate the steering wheel 45° from the right stop.
- Disconnect the battery ground.
- Remove the horn pad.
- Using an inch-pound torque wrench on the steering wheel nut, record the amount of torque needed to turn the steering wheel 1/8 turn counterclockwise. The preload reading should be 4-9 inch lbs.
- Center the steering wheel (1/2 the total lock-to-lock turns) and record the torque needed to turn the steering wheel 90° to either side of center. On a truck with fewer than 5,000 miles, the meshload should be 15-25 inch lbs. On a truck with 5,000 or more miles, the meshload should be 7 inch lbs. more than the preload torque.On trucks with fewer than 5,000 miles, if the meshload is not within specifications, it should be reset to a figure 14-18 inch lbs. greater than the recorded preload torque.On trucks with 5,000 or more miles, if the meshload is not within specifications, it should be reset to a figure 10-14 inch lbs. greater than the recorded preload torque.
- If an adjustment is required, loosen the adjuster locknut and turn the sector shaft adjuster screw until the necessary torque is achieved.
- Once adjustment is completed. hold the adjuster screw and tighten the locknut to 45 ft. lbs.
- Recheck the adjustment readings and reset if necessary.
- Connect the return line and refill the reservoir.
- Install the pitman arm.
- Install the horn pad.
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