Pinion Rotating Force

To set pinion preload, set rack to neutral or center position without fluid in gear. Coat adjuster screw with locking sealant, and screw it in. Lightly tighten lock nut. Tighten adjuster screw to 44-53 INCH lbs. (5-6 N.m). Loosen adjuster screw, and then retighten it to 0.4-1.7 INCH lbs. (0.05-0.20 N.m).
Move rack over its entire stroke several times. Measure pinion rotating torque within a 180-degree range from neutral position. Stop gear at point of maximum torque. Loosen adjuster screw, and then retighten it to 44 INCH lbs. (5 N.m). Back off adjuster screw 60-100 degrees.
Hold adjuster screw, and tighten lock nut to 29-44 ft. lbs. (39-59 N.m). Measure pinion rotating torque within a range of 100 degrees left or right of neutral point. Average rotating torque should be 7-12 INCH lbs. (0.8-1.3 N.m). Maximum torque deviation should be less than 3.5 INCH lbs. (0.4 N.m).
Measure pinion rotating torque beyond 100 degree range in step 3). Maximum rotating torque should be 17 INCH lbs. (1.9 N.m). Maximum torque deviation should be less than 5.3 INCH lbs. (0.6 N.m). If pinion rotating torque is not within specification, readjust as necessary. If rotating torque is still out of specification after readjustment, replace steering gear.