Exam 14: Recirculating Ball Steering Gears

After a power recirculating ball steering gear is properly adjusted, the steering wheel free play is still excessive. Technician A says the steering gear mounting bolts may be loose. Technician B says the high-pressure power steering hose may be restricted. Who is correct?

Power recirculating ball steering gears may have sector teeth with a variable ratio.

A power recirculating ball steering gear has repeated pitman shaft oil seal failures. The most likely cause of this problem is:

In a recirculating ball steering gear, how is the interference fit between the sector teeth and the ball nut teeth obtained?

Restricted power steering hoses may cause excessive steering effort.

What is steering wheel free play?

In a power recirculating ball steering gear, oil leaks may occur at all of these locations EXCEPT:

Technician A says when the sector shaft adjusting screw is turned clockwise, the sector shaft moves downward. Technician B says a loose sector lash adjustment may cause steering wander. Who is correct?

Explain the difference between constant-ratio and variable-ratio steering gear sector shaft teeth.

Technician A says steering gear mounting bolts with five ribs on each bolt head may be replaced with bolts containing three ribs on each bolt head. Technician B says loose steering gear mounting bolts may cause steering wheel play. Who is correct?

Describe the results of loose worm shaft bearing preload and sector lash adjustments.

What is bearing preloaded?

Technician A says when removing the pitman arm from the pitman shaft, mark this arm in relation to the shaft. Technician B says to use a hammer and punch to remove the pitman arm from the pitman shaft. Who is correct?

A steering gear with a 15:1 ratio requires more steering effort compared with a steering gear with a 13:1 ratio.

What does the worm shaft end plug adjustment provide?

A power recirculating ball steering gear has uneven steering effort, but the fluid level and belt tension are satisfactory. Technician A says the worm shaft bearings may be worn and pitted. Technician B says the sector lash adjustment may be too tight. Who is correct?

A customer complains about excessive erratic steering effort on a vehicle with a power recirculating ball steering gear. The problem is worse when the steering gear is cold. The belt tension, power steering pump pressure, and fluid level are satisfactory. Technician A says the ball nut piston ring may be worn. Technician B say the ball nut piston cylinder may be scored. Who is correct?