timo944

85 Z31 NA has a leak where the pinion goes into the steering rack. Looking at the FSM, the parts are easy enough to pull out but the pinion pre-load bolt and it's associated parts need to be either removed or at least loosened before work starts....??

So my estimate:

- drain system
- remove pre-load ***'y
- loosen rack
- remove steering shaft
- remove pinion
- replace seal and o-ring
- installation is the reverse of above
- set pre-load

Sound right? Any tricks to setting the pre-load right? I was hoping to put it back where it was and forget abou it.

Hardway

Setting pre-load on anything usually involves the use of a dial indicator and the knowledge on how to use it. I have not seen the FSM but you need some sort of tool to measure the load and this is where the dial indicator comes in. It is possible a torque wrench in inch/pounds might be used too. If you are unsure how to do this call Nissan a shop that works on Japanese cars, they may be able to help you. If it possible to get it all back together and drive it a short distance to a shop maybe they could set the pre-load for you for a small fee. No sense in ruining a part for the sake of not knowing how to do one step properly.