Abstract: To adjust the maximum torque required to actuate a hydraulic steering mechanism, the steering mechanism is first adjusted to provide a relatively high preload on gear teeth in the steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is then operated through a predetermined number of break-in cycles. After oil has been purged from the steering mechanism the steering mechanism is operated through one complete operating cycle and the location where the maximum torque is required to effect operation of the steering mechanism is noted. Preload between the gear teeth is then reduced and the steering mechanism is operated to the position where it was previously noted that maximum torque was required to actuate the steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is there dithered to either side of the location where the maximum torque was required. As this is done, the steering mechanism is adjusted to obtain the desired maximum operating torque for the steering mechanism.