B
94
Repair and Service Manual
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
653045
Figure 21 Spindle Contact with Front Axle
With the spindle arm resting against the front axle, cut the
wire tie (14) securing the bellows (9) to the rack and pin-
ion unit (1). Slide the bellows away from the rack and pin-
ion unit to expose the large hex of the rack extension. A 1/
8” gap should exist between the large hex and the end of
the rack and pinion unit.
Figure 22 Checking Gap
Adjust using a 1/8” thick washer as a gauge, by turning
shaft of rack extension with wrench to create the 1/8” gap.
Tighten the jam nut (5) to the torque value specified
below.
Secure the bellows to the rack and pinion unit with a new
wire tie (14).
Steering Wheel Replacement
Tool List
Quantity
Socket, 15/16”..............................................................1
Ratchet, 1/2” drive........................................................1
Plastic Faced Hammer.................................................1
Ball Peen Hammer.......................................................1
Anti-seize Compound...................................................1
Torque Wrench, ft. lbs. .................................................1
NOTICE: To maintain the correct orientation when
replacing the steering wheel, turn the wheels
straight ahead.
To decrease the risk of damage to
the clipboard, perform the follow-
ing removal procedure. Do not use a
screwdriver to push or pry the retaining tabs.
From the front side of the steering wheel (4), remove the
steering wheel cover by pulling straight up on the bottom
of the steering wheel cover to release the two bottom
retaining tabs. Then, using thumb for leverage as shown,
reach from behind steering wheel with fingertips to first
pull down, and then push up to release the two top clip-
board retaining tabs (Figure 23).
Figure 23 Clipboard Removal
Loosen the steering wheel retaining nut (6) two to three
Do not remove the nut at this time
.
Apply upward pressure to the steering wheel. Place a
plastic faced hammer against the steering wheel nut and
strike the plastic faced hammer sharply with a ball peen
hammer.
Do not strike the steering nut or the
end of the steering shaft directly
with the ball peen hammer. Internal
damage to the rack and pinion unit can result.
Item
Torque Specification
5
35 - 45 ft. lbs. (47 - 61 Nm)
Passenger Side
Spindle Arm
Resting Against
Front Axle
Rack
Ball
Joint
Front of Vehicle
Gap
Approximately
1/8" Thick Washer
Step 1
Step 2
4
Wheel Cover
Property of American Airlines
