TM 5-2420-230-24-1
REASSEMBLY
CLEANING & INSPECTION
Cleaning
Cleanliness is important. Dirt and foreign material that gets into the steering system during repair operations can
cause damage or a possible steering malfunction at a later date. Due to the close tolerances between mating parts
it is best to have all parts at the same temperature for reassembly.
Clean the machined parts individually to avoid damage caused by "bumping" together. Use clean solvent to
wash parts. Dry the parts with compressed air. Nicks or burrs must be removed with a fine hand stone before
assembly. Use clean lubricant to coat parts for assembly.
All hoses, lines and the reservoir should be cleaned before reinstalling a repaired steering gear or after pump
replacement. Replace the filter element or cartridge.
Inspection
Make a careful visual inspection of all steering gear parts. Replace worn parts as well as any parts that show
signs of stress or fatigue.
DANGER
STEERING GEARS THAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED IN AN ACCIDENT MUST BE
REPLACED. IMPACT LOADS TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE FRONT AXLE
AND STEERING LINKAGE INTO THE STEERING GEAR CAN STRESS PARTS
TO A POINT JUST SHORT OF FAILURE. FURTHER USE IS UNSAFE AND THE
STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY AND PITMAN ARM MUST BE REPLACED. DIS-
T O RT E D PITMAN ARMS, T W I S T E D SECTOR SHAFTS, B RO K E N OR
CRACKED RACK AND PINION GEAR TEETH ARE SOME SIGNS OF IMPACT
DA M AG E . B RO K E N OR DAMAGED MOUNTING BRACKETS MUST BE
REPLACED.
Steering gear parts inspection may show problems in other areas of the steering system. To avoid repeat prob-
lems inspect all parts carefully. Listed below are the more common problems you may see during steering gear
inspection along with their possible cause. This information should be considered carefully when repairing low
mileage vehicles. Remember it is more important to repair the cause than the results.
R
E
1. Operating temperatures too high
1. Accident damaged
Parts Discolored (blue)
Broken Housing
A
2. Steering column binding
3. Hydraulic supply pump
S
1.
Foreign material entry
Housing or Piston Scoring
malfunctioning
2.
Severe overloading
(Also see following
S
3.
Incorrect lubricant used
NOTE)
1.
Incorrect lubricant use
4.
Excessive temperature (over
E
Sector Shaft (Roller
2.
Excessive temperature
250)
bearing wear)
M
3.
Overloading the axle
5. Pump damaged
4.
Contaminated lubricant
B
5.
Impact damage
1. Foreign material in system
Thrust Bearings
L
2. Excessive overloading
(pitted, rough)
1. Impact damages
Actuating Shaft
Y
(ball thread brinelled
1. Impact damage
Thrust Bearings
or dented)
2. Incorrect repairs
(broken or distorted)
1.
Incorrect lubricant used
Actuating Shaft
1. Incorrect installation
Piston Rings (cut,
2.
Overloading
(thread wear)
2. Incorrect assembly
pinched, sheared or worn)
3.
Insufficient operating pressure
4.
Insufficient oil flow
5.
Continued operation at high
temperature
Note on scoring
Minor scoring and scuffing of the piston and housing of the steering gear is normal. During operation at rela-
tively high pressure and flow rates, this minor scoring will not affect the safety or operation of the steering gear.
Minor scoring should be polished with a fine hand stone or crocus cloth.
CAUTION
The cylinder bore should not be honed or bored out. This will increase internal leakage.
K-88
