I have had 2 power steering pumps replaced on my '03 HD2500 Dmax- one due to leaks and the second because it had internal defects.


Anyway now the truck has a bit too much free play in the steering.





In older vehicles I have always just tightened the nut on the steering box to get trid of this.


Is it still the normal procedure to get rid of free play this way.


Is it possible to overtighten this nut and do any damage?


The truck is only 1 yr old and was tight prior to replacing the pumps so I know its a steering issue and not a loose front end.





Edited by: akrockhound

YES you can damage it by tightning it too tight!


Take it back to whoever did the work.

to Steve NorCal.


What is at risk when you tighten the nut? Is it increasing steering fluid pressure or is it reducing tolerences between moving parts?


I am so sick of the dealer that I would rather try to carefully tighten the nut (say 45 degrees each time - clockwise ) to see if this can get rid of some of the free play)


If I am completely off base here and this is not even the place to start getting rid of a little free play please let me know.

Tolerances!


If you do it, just a little at a time and if you "have to" take it back cause it didn't work out, don't tell them you adjusted it!!


Good luck!

If you have the tools, here's how to do it.
<H1>Worm Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle 700 Gear</H1>
<UL =BULLET>Tools Required
<LI>J 42882 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=322149) Adjuster Nut Socket
<LI>J 43435 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=509357) Adjuster Lock Nut Wrench </LI>[/list]
[list=1]
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/509/509348.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=509348)

<LI =1>Rotate the stub shaft back and forth in order to drain the power steering fluid.
<LI =1>Remove the coupling shield retainer and the lock nut from the steering gear housing using J 43435 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=509357) and a torque wrench.
<H4>Notice</H4>


Refer to Fastener Notice (http://service.gm.com/servlets/CellHandler?CellId=10105&amp;RefDoc=415910) in Cautions and Notices.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/321/321992.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=321992)

<LI =1>Turn the adjuster nut assembly (1) clockwise using J 42882 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=322149) until the adjuster nut assembly (1) and the thrust support assembly (2) are firmly bottomed in the steering gear housing (3). Tighten


Tighten the adjuster nut assembly (1) to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/321/321996.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=321996)

<LI =1>Place an index mark (1) on the steering gear housing (4) parallel with one of the holes (3) in the adjuster nut assembly (2).
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/321/321997.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=321997)

<LI =1>Measure back counterclockwise 13 mm (½ in).
<LI =1>Place a second mark (2) on the steering gear housing (1).
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/322/322000.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=322000)

<LI =1>Using J 42882 (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=322149) and a torque wrench, turn the adjuster nut assembly (1) counterclockwise 15-25 degrees to align the hole (2) in the adjuster nut assembly (1) with the second mark (4) on the steering gear housing (3).
<I

Better Check the Pinch bolt at the steering box U joint. That is the 11mm bolt in the u joint right at the box. I have seen a couple of these loose after box replacement. Check it be fore attempting to tighten up the box.





Just my 2 cents