Power Steering System: Adjustments Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Steering Gear Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle

1. Loosen the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug lock nut (1).
2. Turn the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug clockwise until the it bottoms in the steering gear assembly.
3. Turn the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug back 50 degrees to 70 degrees (approximately one flat).
4. Install the steering gear rack bearing adjuster plug lock nut (1). Tighten: Tighten the nut to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).

Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle

1. Remove the steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion)»(ref-278038-S33277583322008012100000) or «Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion)»(ref-278038-S11423988472008012100000) .
2. Loosen the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster nut (4).
3. Turn the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw (1) counterclockwise until fully extended.
4. Turn the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw (1) clockwise one full turn.
5. Rotate the steering gear stub shaft (3) from stop to stop, using a 12-point socket while counting the number of turns.
6. Starting at either stop, turn the steering gear stub shaft (3) back half the total number of turns counted previously. This is the centered position.
7. Make sure the steering gear pitman shaft is centered by checking the following items: The flat on the steering gear stub shaft (2) faces upward. The flat on the steering gear stub shaft is parallel with the steering gear side cover. The master spline (3) on the steering gear pitman shaft is in line with the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw (1).
8. Place a torque wrench on the stub shaft with the handle in the vertical position.
9. Rotate the steering gear stub shaft 45 degrees from each side of the center of the steering gear stub shaft. The steering gear stub shaft must rotate smoothly and must not stick or bind.
10. Record the steering gear worm bearing preload measured on or near the center.
11. Recorded steering gear worm bearing preload must be 0.8-1.7 N.m (7.1-15.1 lb in), with the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster nut installed. If the torque is outside this range, readjust or repair the steering gear assembly as required.
12. To obtain the correct reload torque, adjust the over center preload by turning the steering gear pitman shaft lash adjuster screw clockwise.
13. Add increments of 0.7-1.1 N.m (6-10 lb in) torque to the previously measured steering gear worm bearing preload torque. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 49 N.m (36 lb ft).
14. Install the steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (Rack and Pinion)»(ref-278038-S33277583322008012100000) or «Steering Gear Replacement (Non Rack and Pinion)»(ref-278038-S11423988472008012100000) .