GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Gear Worm Gear Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle Saginaw - 710 Model

Tools Required

    • J 42882 Adjuster Nut Socket
    • J 43435 Adjuster Lock Nut Wrench

    Object Number: 509348  Size: SH
  1. Rotate the stub shaft back and forth in order to drain the power steering fluid.
  2. Remove the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut from the steering gear housing using J 43435 and a torque wrench.

  3. Object Number: 321992  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Turn the adjuster nut assembly (1) clockwise using J 42882 until the adjuster nut assembly (1) and the thrust support assembly (2) are firmly bottomed in the steering gear housing (3).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the adjuster nut assembly (1) to 28-31 N·m (20-23 lb ft).


    Object Number: 321996  Size: SH
  6. Place an index mark (1) on the steering gear housing (4) parallel with one of the holes (3) in the adjuster nut assembly (2).

  7. Object Number: 321997  Size: SH
  8. Measure back counterclockwise 13 mm (½ inch).
  9. Place a second mark (2) on the steering gear housing (1).

  10. Object Number: 322000  Size: SH
  11. Using J 42882 and a torque wrench, turn the adjuster nut assembly (1) counterclockwise 15-25 degrees to align the hole (2) in the adjuster nut assembly (1) with the second mark (4) on the steering gear housing (3).

  12. Object Number: 509352  Size: SH
  13. Install the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut.
  14. Hold the adjuster nut assembly in position to maintain alignment of the marks.
  15. Tighten the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut usingJ 43435 and a torque wrench.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut (2) to 109 N·m (80 lb ft).

  17. To adjust the pitman shaft, refer to: Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .