Lesson 2/Learning Event 2
The binding may be caused by the steering column jacket being misaligned
with the steering gear.
To check for this, loosen the mounting bracket capscrews and the
clamp bolt securing the steering column jacket to the instrument
panel. If the column is misaligned enough to cause the steering
shaft to bind, it will realign itself when the capscrews and clamp
are loosened. Tighten the mounting screws and clamp; then turn the
steering wheel to check for binding. If it still binds, the trouble
is in the steering gear.
If the problem was hard steering with no binding, the cause is in
the hydraulic system.
If the vehicle pulled to the right or left during the road test, this fault
could be caused by unequal tire pressure or dragging brakes. On the 5ton
truck, however, pulling to one side can also be caused by the hydraulic
power steering. You check for this in the following manner:
The drag link must be disconnected from the pitman arm. Make sure
that the steering gear is in the midposition. Do this by turning
the steering wheel in one direction as far as it will go. Then,
counting the number of turns, turn the wheel in the opposite
direction as far as it will go. Turn the wheel back half the number
of turns you counted from stop to stop.
Now, start the engine and operate it at fast idle. Without touching
the steering wheel, watch it to see if it moves by itself. If it
does, the power steering control valve is not centered, and it does
not return to the neutral position. This can be caused by loose
control valve mounting bolts or loose cam cover bolts at the ends of
the cam. If tightening these bolts does not correct the problem,
the cause is a defective control valve or the valve is not adjusted
properly.
After the cause of trouble has been corrected, you must reconnect
the drag link to the pitman arm. When connecting the drag link,
make sure that the ball stud is properly positioned between the ball
seats and tighten the drag link adjusting plug until it bottoms.
Then back off the adjusting plug until its slot is aligned with the
first cotter pin hole. Install the dust shield and a new cotter
pin; then, lubricate the drag link.
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