Checking Over-Center
- Remove the steering gear. Refer to GEAR, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
- Drain the fluid from the steering gear.NOTE:
Any fluid remaining in the gear provides some back pressure which will change your torque readings.
1 - Center - Rotate the input shaft with special tool # 8343, (Wrench) from stop to stop and count the number of turns.
- Center the input shaft by rotating it from the stop 1/2 of the total amount of turns.
- Place a torque wrench and special tool # 8343, (Wrench) in a vertical position on the input shaft. Rotate the wrench 45 degrees each side of the center and record the highest rotational torque in this range. This is the On-Center Rotating Torque.NOTE:
The input shaft must rotate smoothly without sticking or binding.
- Rotate the input shaft between 90° and 180° to the left of center and record the left off-center preload. Repeat this to the right of center and record the right off-center preload. The average of these two recorded readings is the Off-Center Rotating Torque.
- The On-Center Rotating Torque should be 0.15-0.65 N.m (1.3-5.8 in. lbs.) higher than the Off-Center Rotating Torque. Adjustment to the On-Center Rotating Torque is not possible. If lash or torque are out of specification, the gear must be replaced.