GMC 4000 Series Service Manual page 486

2. Inspect tie rod for bent condition. If tie rod
is bent more than 5 degrees, replace assembly. If
tie rod is bent less than 5 degrees, tie rod may be
straightened provided cold straightening method is
used.
3. Lubricate tie rod ends as directed in LU­
BRICATION (SEC. 0) of this manual.
TIE ROD REPLACEMENT
Removal
1. Remove cotter pins and stud nuts attaching
tie rod to right or left steering arm.
2. Remove ball stud from steering arm by
positioning a jack under arm and applying light
lifting force, while tapping on socket end with a
hammer. A heavy hammer as a backing at the
steering arm may be used as an alternate method,
if desired. Push downward, on tie rod to remove
from steering arm.
NOTE: If tie rod end assem blies are damaged
in any way, they must be replaced.
Installation
1. If tie rod was dismantled, position clamps
on ends of rod.
NOTE: Threads on socket end, and in tie rod
tube must be clean and free from rust or difficulty
in adjusting toe-in will be experienced.
2. Thread socket ends into tie rod tube and
make certain ends are threaded in an equal dis­
tance.
3. Position socket end studs into steering arm
holes, and install stud nuts, tighten nuts to torque
specified in "Specifications" at end of this section.
Install new cotter pins, and spread ends. Lubricate
socket ends as described in LUBRICATION (SEC.O)
of this manual.
DESCRIPTION
(Refer to Figures 14, 16, and 17)
Steering column on models covered in this
manual may be either one-piece or two-piece con­
struction depending upon type of model it is used
on. Universal type joints are used on models where
straight steering shafts are not suitable (see fig.
9). Shafts are clamp fastened to steering worm
shaft at steering gear assem bly. Column is secured
to dash and cowl by brackets and fastened with
bolts and nuts. Ball-type bearings are used in
steering column upper and lower ends. Steering
wheel used on tilt cabandPS4500 series is a three-
spoke type, while the two spoke type is used on
remaining models covered in this manual. Steering
wheel is a tapered splined fit on steering shaft,
G M C S E R V I C E M A N U A L
STEERING WHEEL A N D
MECHANICAL STEERING
Figure 9— Steering Colum n and Shaft (Tilt Cab M odels)
4. Adjust toe-in as described in FRONT SUS­
PENSION (SEC. 3). Refer to "FRONT AXLE" (SEC.
3B) of this manual for correct dimension.
5. Before tightening tie rod clamp bolts, make
sure tie rod ends are in alignment with each other.
Position clamps so that clamp bolt opening is in
line with slot in tie rod tube. Clamp will be diffi­
cult to tighten sufficiently to lock socket end in
place, if not properly positioned on tie rod.
STEERING COLUMN
and it houses the horn switch assembly. It is re­
tained by a washer and lock nut. Steering shaft has
an alignment mark stamped on its end, and wheel
should be installed with the cut-out portion of horn
contact centered with mark on shaft as shown in
figure 15.
Turn signals and hazard warning switch are
located in upper steering column housing, except
on tilt cab models where hazard warning switch is
located on dash.
MULTIPLE WIRE CONNECTORS
DISASSEMBLY
On all models except PS-4500, to remove har­
ness from steering column it will be necessary to
remove multiple connector at end of harness. Tool
Sec. 9A
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