GMC 1982 Light Duty Truck, Service Manual

Page: 242 / 1435

3B1-8 STEERING LINKAGE
c. The relationship of the clamp slot with the slit in the
sleeve should be maintained as shown in Figure 3B1-
8
.
d. Rotate both inner and outer tie rod housing rearward
to the limit of ball joint travel before tightening
clamps. Tighten clamps to
22
N*m(l
6
ft lbs.) Return tie
rod assembly to the center of travel.
e. All procedures for alignment, adjustment and assem­
bly of tie rods applies to each side.
f. Cheek each assembly to be sure that a total travel of
at least 35° can be obtained using a bubble protractor
and a pair of vise grips (Fig. 3B1-9).
Inspection
To ensure proper installation, it is necessary to perform
the following inspection after any change of toe setting or
removal of any ball stud:
1. Check the total rotation of the tie rod assembly using
the following procedure:
a. Lubricate inner and outer tie rod ends.
b. Attach vise grip pliers to the outer tie rod end.
c. Rotate outer tie rod end counterclockwise (up) to
maximum position. Attach bevel protractor as shown
in Figure 3B1-9. Center protractor bubble indicator
and record reading.
d. Rotate tie rod end clockwise (down) to maximum
position. Center protractor bubble indicator and
record reading.
e. Compare protractor readings obtained in Steps c
and d. Total rotation of tie rod assembly should
measure at least 35°.
f. If rotation is less than 35°, loosen one tid rod sleeve
clamp and rotate both tie rod ends to their maximum
limit
both ends must be rotated in the sam e direction.
g. Tighten tie rod clamp and again rotate both ends to
their maximum limits, repeating Steps c and d. This
recheck of total rotation will result in a minimum of
35° travel.
h. After obtaining the correct amount of rotation (35°
or greater), position the outer tie rod end approx­
imately midway in this travel.
If rotating checks, outlined above, reveal a rough or
lumpy feel, the inner or outer tie rod end assembly may have
excessive wear and should be replaced.
If all of the above mentioned conditions are met, proper
tie rod installation is assured.
RELAY ROD
Removal
1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Remove inner ends of the tie rods from relay rod as
described under "Tie Rod-Removal".
3. Remove the nuts from the pitman and idler arm ball
studs at the relay rod.
4. Remove the relay rod from the pitman and idler arms
by tapping on the relay rod ball stud bosses with a
hammer, while using a heavy hammer as a backing
(Fig. 3B1-7).
5. Remove the relay rod from the vehicle.
Installation
NOTICE: See the NOTICE on page 1 of this section
regarding the fasteners referred to in steps 2 and 3.
1. Make sure that threads on the ball studs and in the ball
stud nuts are clean and smooth. If threads are not clean
and smooth, ball studs may turn in sockets when
attempting to tighten nut. Check condition of ball stud
seals; replace if necessary.
2. Install the relay rod to the idler arm and pitman arm
ball studs, making certain the seals are in place. U se a
free-spinning nut to seat the tapers, per Fig. 3B1-6.
3. Install the tie rods to the relay rod as previously
described under "Tie Rod- Installation". Lubricate the
tie rod ends.
4. Lower the vehicle to the floor.
5. Adjust toe-in (see Section 3A) and align steering wheel
as described previously in Section 3B4 under "Steering
Wheel Alignment and High Point Centering".
IDLER ARM (EXCEPT P SERIES MOTORHOME)
Use of the proper diagnosis and checking procedure is
essential to prevent needless replacement of good idler arms.
1. Raise the vehicle in such a manner as to allow the front
wheels to rotate freely and the steering mechanism
freedom to turn. Position the wheels in a straight ahead
position.
2. Using a push pull type spring scale located as near the
relay rod end of the idler arm as possible, exert a 25 lb.
force upward and then downward while noticing the
total distance the end of the arm moves. This distance
should not exceed ±
1 / 8
inch for a total acceptable
movement of 1/4 inch (Figure 3B1-10). It is necessary
to ensure that the correct load is applied to the arm
since it will move more when higher loads are applied.
Fig. 3B1-10--Checking Idler M ovem ent, Typical