Genuine 1987 Mazda B2000 Rack and Pinions

1987 Mazda B2000 Rack and Pinions Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to adjust the wormshaft preload and perform removal and installation for Rack And Pinions on 1987 Mazda B2000?

  A: The wormshaft preload may be adjusted by clearing the rack and pinions of the vise positioning the pitman arm in the position of wheels straight ahead followed by connecting a spring scale and adapter to the wormshaft. Check the rotating torque which at models to 1986 should be 2.2lb or less, or at 1987-89 models between 1.3-2.2lb, but at least 0.5 to 1lb more than the torque at a point 360 o straight ahead. When the preload is wrong, you should position the screwdriver on the top of the gear and loosen the lock nut then turn the adjusting screw to get the right preload. After the preload is properly established, take the adjusting screw and screwdriver and loosen the locknut to 35 ft. lbs, but do not allow the adjusting screw to move. To remove and install models up to 1986, jackstand the front end, disconnect the pressure and return lines at the gear box using a drain pan, remove the pinch bolt attaching the wormshaft to the steering shaft coupling and then detach the cotter pin and nut attaching the pitman arm to the center link using a ball joint tool. Unscrew the rack and pinions off the frame, and in case the pitman arm is to be taken off the sector shaft, mark off their location. Installation occurs in the opposite sequence whereby, given the values of torque to be used in different connections are observed. With 1987-89 models, the same procedure is followed with the following modifications to rack and pinions-to-frame and wormshaft-to-steering shaft yoke connection torque specifications.