Was doing the transmission and diff oils today, when... what is this thing?
 

It's got threads on the end of it, but it appears to be a GNDN (goes nowhere, does nothing). Anyone know what this is and what purpose it serves?

http://i.imgur.com/YAPU3ef.jpg

Rack & Pinion?

Looks like an inspection plug

That's what it's on, but I'm referring specifically to the threaded circular opening there. Which appears to be closed off about an inch inside.

it's for steering rack yoke pre-load adjustment.

Yup, it basically pushes the rack (the straight part) against the pinion (the gear that turns when you turn the steering wheel) so that there is no play between the gears. There is a spring underneath that thing you're pointing at (technically that's probably the cover, but the adjustment is there). You can tighten it and compress the spring more, and in doing so, you can adjust the force the rack and pinion is pushed together. Too tight and steering becomes too stiff. Too loose and there may be play. It's usually adjusted with an in-lb torque indicator to the specs called out for in the service manual. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Definitely for steering rack pre-load. You'll probably never need or want to touch it.

Jeff

Looks like a left-handed sammoflange.

Is that Agent Scully?

:drool:

im sure agent mulder isnt too far away.

Basically thats the access port needed for manufacturing. Most will never be used again after being put in service, but an adjustment could be done there, and then a new press in cap fitted, if needed.