Quote:
Originally Posted by chompster4runner
Please explain the process of tightening the pre load. Heard about this but didn’t want to mess with it. Wandering definitely 99% gone. Occasionally, strong winds will push it around.
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To do it properly, you'll probably want to remove the steering rack because there's not a lot of room underneath there. The service manual says to back out the 24mm hex guide cap until the guide spring pressure is completely relieved. Then tighten the cap until it takes 6.2 - 13.3 in/lb of force to turn the splined shaft on the rack that connects to the steering shaft. I didn't want to go through removing the rack again so I just kind of winged it by feel.
Before you turn the guide cap, mark the current position of the cap to the body of the rack so you have a frame of reference.
Remove the outer lock nut with a pair of large channel locks or a large crescent wrench. Use a 24mm hex bit socket to turn the cap approximately 15-20 degrees (~1/16th turn). I didn't have a 24mm hex bit socket so I just used the head of a 24mm bolt I had laying around to turn the cap using vice grips. A 5/8" rod coupling nut from Home Depot will also fit and you can use a wrench to turn it.
It doesn't take much to bind the steering rack so make very small adjustments at a time. If the steering wheel doesn't return to center after you turn, then your preload is too tight. It took me about 3 tries to find the sweet spot.