GMC 4000 Series Service Manual page 485

Sec. 9A
Page 474
MECHANICAL STEERING
1 Worm Shaft Adjuster
Lock Nut
2 Spacer Washer
3 Pitman Shaft
4 Frame
5 Pitman Arm
Figure 7 — Steering Linkage (Typical)
at rear of axle. This tie rod is connected by means
of ball sockets to left rear steering arm and it ex­
tends to opposite side of axle and fastens to right
wheel steering arm. Steering linkage although
sim ilar, is not the same for all series vehicles
covered in this manual.
Steering linkage between steering gear and
front wheels affects steering action. If parts are
out-of-adjustment, bent, damaged, worn, or twisted,
poor steering will result. Steering linkage should
Figure 8 — Steering Tie Rod
G M C S E R V I C E M A N U A L
6 Pitman Shaft Nut
7 Drag Link
8 Steering Arm
9 Lubrication Fitting
10 Drag Link Stud Nut
11 Steering Gear -5684
t
be properly adjusted at all tim es.
NOTE: Whenever any steering linkage com­
ponents have been repaired or replaced, check
steering geometry and front end alignment as des­
cribed in FRONT SUSPENSION (SEC. 3).
STEERING DRAG LINK OR
CONNECTING ROD
(Refer to Figure 7)
A non-adjustable drag link or connecting rod
(7) is used to connect the Pitman arm to the left
steering arm. No periodic maintenance is required
other than lubrication and keeping stud nuts proper­
ly torqued. If drag link or connecting rod becomes
worn or damaged, replace the complete assembly
as follows:
REMOVAL
1. Remove cotter pin at each end of drag link
or connecting rod. Discard cotter pins, and remove
nut (10) from ball socket stud.
2. Using a soft hammer, tap each ball stud
until drag link or connecting rod is loose. Remove
drag link or connecting rod from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
1. Position drag link or connecting rod to Pit­
man arm (5) and steering arm (8), then install ball
stud nut (10) at each end. Tighten nuts firmly to fit
tapered studs snugly and prevent movement when
nuts are torqued.
2. Using a torque wrench, tighten ball stud
nuts to 125 to 150 foot-pounds torque, then advance
to next cotter pin hole and install cotter pin to
secure stud nut.
STEERING TIE ROD
(Refer to Figure 8)
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles covered in this manual have a three-
piece tie rod connecting left and right steering
arm s. The tie rod assembly consists of a tube and
two socket end assem blies. Socket end assem blies
are threaded into tube and locked in place with
clampSo Right- and left-hand threads are provided
to facilitate toe-in adjustment and steering wheel
centering.
The tie rod ends are self-adjusting and re­
quire no attention in service other than periodic
lubrication and inspection to see that ball studs
are tight. Socket ends should be replaced when
excessive up and down motion or any lost motion
or end play at ball end of stud exists.
MAINTENANCE
1. Clamp bolt nuts should be periodically
checked for tightness.