Input shaft lock nut size

[ajwic1]

Hey there, trying to replace the input shaft seals on my steering gear for 81 gm pickup and i cant get the lock nut/jam nut off!!

All i can find is people suggesting to use a hammer and punch but it didnt work for me, im just mangling the flanges. Does anyone know what size it is? Or what socket id need to remove it?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Not sure if this the exact one, but this is the tool I believe. I've always used a punch and some lube. You can use a small amount of heat, but don't get it very hot at all, you'll melt seals.

KENT MOORE TOOL J-43435 POWER STEERING ADJUSTER LOCKNUT WRENCH | eBay

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[RanchWelder]

Wow, exactly what my next mission requires.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

Wow, exactly what my next mission requires.

The worst part is wrastlin the steering shaft.

Don't forget anyone that reads this, DONT let the input shaft spin AT ALL when removing the locking nut and the "piston" (bearing retainer/adjuster) or you will be rebuilding your whole steering box!

 

[RanchWelder]

PrairieDrifter, are you suggesting...​

ball bearings all over the ground?

Can you describe the best way to eliminate the sgaft from turning, if you had to perform the seal repalcement by yourself?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

PrairieDrifter, are you suggesting...​

ball bearings all over the ground?

Can you describe the best way to eliminate the sgaft from turning, if you had to perform the seal repalcement by yourself?

Nope. Even worse. Ball bearings all inside the bottom of the box, that you can't get out unless you dissemble the whole box.

It's really easy as long as you know that tip. Get the locknut off. Get a proper spanner wrench for the adjuster piston assembly. Lightly clamp a vise grip on the end of the input shaft, then simply don't let that spin at all, while you unthread the adjuster out of the box, also hold the input shaft down while doing the final pull of the adjuster out of the box.

The input shaft will only spin out if I remember correctly, so when you reinstall the adjuster, you don't have to be near as cautious.

Mark the adjuster, locknut, and box all together to get the adjustment back together right.