Page E-16
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING
Repair and Service Manual
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to all Notices, Cautions, Dangers and Warnings.
B
adjustment is made at the rack ball joint (6) (Ref Fig.
19). Loosen jam nut (5) at rack ball joint and use wrench
to thread shaft of rack extension (7) further into rack ball
joint. This will provide more travel for the steering wheel
to be turned to the right.
With spindle arm resting against front axle, cut wire tie
(14) securing bellows (9) to rack and pinion unit (1) and
slide bellows away from rack and pinion unit to see large
hex of rack extension. An 1/8" gap should exist between
the large hex and the end of the rack and pinion unit.
Adjust, using an 1/8" thick washer as a gauge, by turn-
ing shaft of rack extension with wrench to create the 1/8"
gap. Tighten jam nut (5) to 35 - 45 ft. lbs. (47 - 61 Nm)
torque. Secure bellows to rack and pinion unit with new
wire tie (14).
Steering Wheel Replacement
Tool List
Qty.
Socket, 15/16", 1/2" drive ............................................1
Ratchet, 1/2" drive .......................................................1
Plastic faced hammer ..................................................1
Ball peen hammer........................................................1
Anti-seize compound ...................................................1
Torque wrench, 1/2" drive, ft. lbs..................................1
To maintain correct orientation when replacing steering wheel,
first turn wheels straight ahead.
To prevent damage to the steering wheel cover, perform
the following removal procedure. Do not use a
screwdriver to push or pry the retaining tabs.
From the front side of the steering wheel (1), remove the
steering wheel cover (2) by first 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 steering wheel cover retaining tabs (Ref Fig. 22).
Loosen the steering wheel retaining nut (6) two to three
turns (Ref Fig. 23). DO NOT REMOVE NUT AT THIS
TIME. Apply upward pressure to the steering wheel.
Place a plastic faced hammer against the steering wheel
nut and strike plastic faced hammer sharply with a ball
peen hammer.
Do not strike steering nut or end of steering shaft
directly with ball peen hammer. Internal damage to
rack and pinion unit can result.
Fig. 20 Spindle Contact with Front Axle
Fig. 21 Checking Gap
Front
of Vehicle
Passenger Side
Spindle Arm
Rack
Ball
Joint
Gap
Approximately
1/8" Thick Washer
Fig. 22 Steering Wheel Cover Removal
NOTICE
Step 1
Step 2
1
2
