Power Steering Box & Drag Link
WARNING:
Adjustments of steering box should not be required while in warranty period. If box is stiff or tight and within warranty, it must be returned to manufacturers. No attempt must be made to introduce backlash.
- Apply park brake, select "P" in automatic transmission and chock wheels. Support chassis front on axle stands.
- Remove engine undertray. See ENGINE UNDERTRAY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Disconnect drag link from steering drop arm.
- Check torque to turn. See STIFF STEERING under TROUBLE SHOOTING.
- Centralize steering box. See CENTRALIZE STEERING BOX .
- The adjustment is obtained by rocking the drop arm about center while an assistant slowly tightens the steering box adjuster screw. See Fig 1 .
- Tighten the locknut when all backlash has been removed.
- Repeat the check for backlash. If backlash exists loosen locknut and repeat adjustment procedure.
- Turn steering wheel lock to lock and check no tightness exists.
- Ensure front wheels are aligned and in straight ahead position. See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES - 3.5L, 3.9L & 4.2L article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
- Adjust draglink 919 mm (36.2") between centers if vehicle production is prior to November 1991 (drop arm ball joint). Adjust draglink 924 mm (36.4") between centers if vehicle production is post November 1991.
- Connect drag link and tighten nut to 30 ft. lbs. (40 N.m). Install new cotter pin.
- Lower vehicle to ground level and remove chocks.
- Road test vehicle. See ROAD TEST PROCEDURE under PERFORMANCE TESTING.
- If steering wheel is to right, draglink is too short. If steering wheel is to left draglink is too long.
- Adjust draglink until steering wheel points straight ahead when vehicle is travelling in a straight line.
- If vehicle has cruise control, centralize the cassette. See STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES - 3.5L, 3.9L & 4.2L article in STEERING.
NOTE:
Only check for no backlash when steering box is in central position.
NOTE:
If steering wheel is not straight, it should be repositioned. See CENTRALIZE STEERING BOX
. The adjustment of the steering box ensures any preload or end float present on center is removed.
NOTE:
If steering wheel is not in straight ahead position when vehicle is travelling in a straight line, draglink length is incorrect and is pushing drop arm away from central position.