Pontiac tempest 1968 Service Manual page 585

9-28
1968 P O N T I A C S E R V I C E M A N U A L
within specifications, then DO NOT remove gear
assembly to refit rack-piston balls to correct a
complaint of loose or hard steering. Such com­
plaints can often be corrected by a thrust bearing
adjustment ("a") and an overcenter adjustment
("c"). If not, then the rack-piston nut and worm
assembly should be checked for excessive lash on
excessive load overcenter and also for roughness
along the worm.
c. Through the center high point. This reading
represents the combined resistances of thrust
bearing preload "a", worm to rack-piston preload
"b" and overcenter (pitman shaft) preload n c M .
This reading should be 4-8 in. lb, torque higher
than the reading in ("b") and should not exceed
18 in. lb.
4. If the reading in step H 3c" is not within speci­
fication, loosen the pitman shaft adjusting screw
locknut and thread the adjusting screw out to the
limit of its travel through the pitman shaft side
cover and then turn the pitman shaft adjusting screw
back in 1/2 turn. Tighten the pitman shaft adjusting
screw using a 7/32 Allen wrench while rotating the
input shaft with an inch-pound torque wrench through
the center of travel (at least 1/2 turn each side of
center) until the torque is within the specifications
noted in "3c". Tighten the pitman shaft adjuster
screw locknut to 32 ft. lb. torque and recheck the
over-center torque.
5. Reassemble horn button or horn ring to steering
wheel.
6. Reassemble connecting rod to pitman arm.
Tighten nut to 140 ft. lb.
REPLACEMENT OF PITMAN SHAFT SEALS
WITH GEAR IN CAR
NOTE: Removal of seals can be accomplished
with steering gear in car, using hydraulic pres­
sure from gear assembly to force seals out of
pitman shaft bore.
1. Raise vehicle and remove pitman arm retaining
nut and lockwasher.
2. Remove pitman arm using tool J 5504-01.
3. Remove pitman shaft outer dust seal retaining
ring, using Truarc pliers.
4. Remove outer dust seal, using screwdriver or
similar tool and place a cloth around housing and
pitman shaft to absorb oil leakage from seal bore.
5. Hold a clean dry pan under gear housing and
with engine running, momentarily turn steering gear
to extreme left position for not more than two sec­
onds. This will build up pressure on upper side of
piston and in pitman shaft chamber, forcing seals
and inner back-up washer out of bore.
NOTE: If pressure of oil does not remove seals,
turn off engine, remove steering gear from car,
and disassemble gear, refer to procedures out­
lined farther in this section.
6. Clean seal bore of housing, pitman shaft and
inspect housing bore for any burrs which might
damage seals during installation.
7. Wrap a piece of thin tape around splines of
pitman shaft, this will prevent damage of seals dur­
ing installation. Use only one layer of tape to allow
for clearance of seals to pass over taped area.
8. Lubricate seals throughly and install seals
using tool J 6219. Install inner single lip seal, then
backup washer, then the other seal, then backup
washer and retaining ring. Be sure that inner seal
does not bottom in housing bore. Install seals only
far enough to provide clearance for backup washers
and retaining ring.
9. F i l l pump reservoir to proper fluid level.
Start engine and allow engine to idle for about three
minutes without turning steering wheel. Then turn
steering wheel to the left and inspect for leaks.
10. Remove tape from pitman shaft and install
pitman arm.
REMOVAL OF STEERING G E A R
1. Disconnect pressure and return hose assem­
blies from housing.
2
0
Raise vehicle and disconnect pitman arm from
pitman shaft, using J 5504-01.
3. Scribe mark on steering shaft worm shaft flange
and disconnect flexible coupling from steering shaft.
4. Remove gear housing to frame bolts, noting
number and location of gear to frame shims (if any).
. p
F i g . 9-47 Steering G e a r Mounted on Tool J5205