MESHLOAD Adjustment
WARNING:
The electrical power to air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off air suspension switch located in right hand kick panel area. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of air springs which may result in shifting of vehicle during these operations.
- With engine OFF, turn steering wheel from right lock to left lock at least once. Remove driver side air bag. See 1997 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM , 1998 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM or 1999 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article.
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove cotter pin and steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut. See Fig 4. Use a Pitman Arm Puller (T64P-3590-F) to separate steering sector shaft arm drag link. See Fig 1. Lower and support the front of the vehicle. The front wheels should NOT touch the ground.
- Attach an INCH pound torque wrench to the steering wheel center nut. Measure the torque to turn the steering wheel center nut in a 90 degree arc, just prior to the end of travel. See Fig 2.
- Measure the steering gear meshload in a 90 degree arc from center. The center torque should be 2-7 INCH lbs. (0.23-0.80 N.m) GREATER than the torque measured at the end of travel. Adjust meshload, if out of specification.
- To adjust the sector shaft to proper rotating torque, hold the sector shaft and loosen the meshload adjuster locknut. Adjust the sector shaft. See Fig 3.
- Verify that the rotating torque is to specification, reset if necessary. To tighten the meshload adjuster locknut, hold the sector shaft and tighten the locknut. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link castellated nut and cotter pin. See Fig 4. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Lower the vehicle. Install the driver side air bag.