This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to...

Bulletin number

PIT5501B

Component

Steering

Summary

This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnosis and repair steering that feels loose or has excessive play. This concern could be cause by an incorrect pitman shaft over-center preload adjustment. Technician will perform a steering gear pitman shaft over-center preload adjustment procedure. Technician will remove the steering gear. The steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster nut will need to be loosened. Turn the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw counterclockwise until fully extended. Turn the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw clockwise one full turn. Rotate the steering gear input shaft from stop to stop using a socket designed for the input shaft geometry, or crows foot with ratchet while counting the number of turns. Starting at either stop, turn the steering gear input shaft back half the total number of turns counted previously. This is the center position of the steering. Ensure the steering gear pitman shaft is centered. The flat on the steering gear input shaft should be facing upward and parallel with the steering gear side cover. Also the master spline on the steering gear pitman shaft is in line with the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw. Use a torque wrench on the steering gear input shaft to rotate the steering gear input shaft 300 degrees from each side of the center of the input shaft. The input shaft must rotate smoothly and must not stick or bind. Record the average turning torque from -300 to +300 degree sweep.

Owners of these vehicles have filed 81 complaints in the steering category.