Topic: adjusting preload gearbox
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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i am trying to adjust my gearbox but got a bit confused about the specifications in the service manual:
i have powersteering :

i have taken of the pitman arm.
from what i understood..i have to losen up over center adjusting screw.. and then test the preload ( torque wrench on steeringcolum) and adjust with the "adjuster plug" on the front of the gear box .. and reading the specs on the torquewrench .. that should be 3-4 inch/pound.
if that is adjusted to the right specs.. i should go to the lash adjuster screw , should tighten it and then on the torquewrench i should read between 4-5 inch/pound (so actually gearbox gets 1-2 inch/pound tighter then just the thrust bearing preload)
but what is that total steering gear preload of 14 inch/pound then ????
on the net i found a page saying this as preload:
Set the backlash and preload on the worm gear and Pitman shaft gear with an inch-pound torque wrench. The preload is set by tightening the worm gear cover until you reach the desired settings. You should have between 5- and 7-inch pounds of rolling torque for your preload.
BELOW LEFT: To set the backlash, turn the adjusting stud until you reach between 10- and 14-inch pounds of rolling torque when the box is centered. This means that as you rotate the box, it will take 7-inch pounds of torque until you start to get close to where the box is centered, then it should peak around 14-inch pounds and start to decrease as you turn the box past the center. Once you have the correct settings, install the lock nut on the adjusting stud and reinstall the steering box in your
there it would mean that over center lash preload would be the 14 inch pound ( what is called in the service manual the total steering gear preload .. but then .. what is that 4-5 inch pound over center preload mentioned in service manual ?
tia
art-corvette
art-corvette 2007-03-07 15:30:29
i have powersteering :

i have taken of the pitman arm.
from what i understood..i have to losen up over center adjusting screw.. and then test the preload ( torque wrench on steeringcolum) and adjust with the "adjuster plug" on the front of the gear box .. and reading the specs on the torquewrench .. that should be 3-4 inch/pound.
if that is adjusted to the right specs.. i should go to the lash adjuster screw , should tighten it and then on the torquewrench i should read between 4-5 inch/pound (so actually gearbox gets 1-2 inch/pound tighter then just the thrust bearing preload)
but what is that total steering gear preload of 14 inch/pound then ????
on the net i found a page saying this as preload:
Set the backlash and preload on the worm gear and Pitman shaft gear with an inch-pound torque wrench. The preload is set by tightening the worm gear cover until you reach the desired settings. You should have between 5- and 7-inch pounds of rolling torque for your preload.
BELOW LEFT: To set the backlash, turn the adjusting stud until you reach between 10- and 14-inch pounds of rolling torque when the box is centered. This means that as you rotate the box, it will take 7-inch pounds of torque until you start to get close to where the box is centered, then it should peak around 14-inch pounds and start to decrease as you turn the box past the center. Once you have the correct settings, install the lock nut on the adjusting stud and reinstall the steering box in your
there it would mean that over center lash preload would be the 14 inch pound ( what is called in the service manual the total steering gear preload .. but then .. what is that 4-5 inch pound over center preload mentioned in service manual ?
tia
art-corvette
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The thrust bearing pre-load must be set first. Then, when centered, check the amount of torque over the entire travel, from lock to lock. Measure the torque as you get to right around center, and add that to the measurement you had for the bearing pre-load. This is the total pre-load.
I have THIS PAGE showing the procedure, if it helps.Adams' Apple 2007-03-07 19:28:50
I have THIS PAGE showing the procedure, if it helps.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
andddddd thanks again Joel... think i have adjusted the gear properly now. although i had to take the gearbox out to make the right adjustment... was afraid the drag of the steering column would make a right setting guesswork :)
art-corvette
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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