Adjusting for 316 onan steering gear play

John, TM 1590 60-05-18
31. Adjust over center preload:

• Back off preload adjuster until it stops, then turn it in

one full turn.

• Center gear travel by rotating shaft.

• Check torque required to turn worm shaft. Record

reading.

M34002 -UN-03OCT89

• Turn preload adjuster in, until rolling torque required to

turn worm shaft is 0.50—1.20 N·m (4—10 lb-in.) more

than first reading.

• Install lock nut. Hold preload adjuster screw and tighten

lock nut to 34 N·m (25 lb-ft).

Basically, just free up adjustment screw, move through full travel and start tightening screw and each time move full travel till you find the tightest spot, snug it down, and tighten lock nut.

John, sorry, I can't find edit button on my keyboard Anyway, no lube it is packed and put together.

Thanks guys! I have spare steering gears for my other tractors, early 140 type, late 140 type, 317 type, 214 type, but not for this one. I'm thinking it will be fine now.

Here's the steering gear in the 316 Onan. All I did was turn this adjustment (see yellow arrow) in and out to try to take the play out.

Turning the bolt out took the play out. When I finally got all the play out, the wheels wold only turn slightly left & right. I had to turn it back in until I had full range again and then lock it there with the lock nut.

BTW that adjustment screw requires a Torx T30 hex star point for adjustment.

Took it down to the car wash again and still didn't get all the dirt off this thing! Always find more when I get home.

Thanks guys! I have spare steering gears for my other tractors, early 140 type, late 140 type, 317 type, 214 type, but not for this one. I'm thinking it will be fine now.

Here's the steering gear in the 316 Onan. All I did was turn this adjustment (see yellow arrow) in and out to try to take the play out. Turning the bolt out took the play out. When I finally got all the play out, the wheels wold only turn slightly left & right. I had to turn it back in until I had full range again and then lock it there with the lock nut.

BTW that adjustment screw requires a Torx T30 hex star point for adjustment.

Took it down to the car wash again and still didn't get all the dirt off this thing! Always find more when I get home.

John, I have an early gear box if you need it
also the links and axle.