My steering wheel turns about 1 1/2 to 2 inches both ways before the wheels move. I heard you can tighten the adjuster screw on the top of the steering box to elimate this play. Has anyone done this before? It is a 72 with manual steering and 71,000 orginal miles. Thanks in advance
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Re: Steering box adjustment
You can lightly tighten the adjustment screw, but this is for "fine" tuning, if you will. Major slop like you have indicates the steering box needs to be rebuilt or the pitman arm (steering linkage on bottom of steering box) is worn out. Check the pitman arm 1st before adjusting the box. Good luck, Gary.... -
Re: Steering box adjustment
You can lightly tighten the adjustment screw, but this is for "fine" tuning, if you will. Major slop like you have indicates the steering box needs to be rebuilt or the pitman arm (steering linkage on bottom of steering box) is worn out. Check the pitman arm 1st before adjusting the box. Good luck, Gary....Comment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
Messing with the lash adjuster screw is a "Bubba" procedure.
When assembled, the lash adjuster screw was carefully adjusted to achieve the specified total drag torque, but that was 30 years ago. With that much play in the steering, you should thoroughly inspect all moving parts in the steering linkage and replace any worn parts in addition to removing the steering gear for an overhaul. If you are a competent amateur mechanic, you can overhaul it yourself using the procedure in the Chassis Overhaul Manual, and there are several professional rebuilders that are recommended by others on this board.
DukeComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
Messing with the lash adjuster screw is a "Bubba" procedure.
When assembled, the lash adjuster screw was carefully adjusted to achieve the specified total drag torque, but that was 30 years ago. With that much play in the steering, you should thoroughly inspect all moving parts in the steering linkage and replace any worn parts in addition to removing the steering gear for an overhaul. If you are a competent amateur mechanic, you can overhaul it yourself using the procedure in the Chassis Overhaul Manual, and there are several professional rebuilders that are recommended by others on this board.
DukeComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
I will check the pitman arm and the steering linkage. I just changed the idler arm, tie rods,and ball joints. If the box needs rebuilt, Do you think it is ok to drive it a little before i have a chance to rebuild it? Thanks EricComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
I will check the pitman arm and the steering linkage. I just changed the idler arm, tie rods,and ball joints. If the box needs rebuilt, Do you think it is ok to drive it a little before i have a chance to rebuild it? Thanks EricComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
It won't hurt to drive it awhile as long as you can still control the car. Your freeplay is not that bad, but insuring that the steering linkage is tight and rebuilding the box will make it steer like a Corvette should.
dukeComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
It won't hurt to drive it awhile as long as you can still control the car. Your freeplay is not that bad, but insuring that the steering linkage is tight and rebuilding the box will make it steer like a Corvette should.
dukeComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
Thanks DukeComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
Thanks DukeComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
I just check the steering play, pitman arm and steering box. It had play only when the car was on the ground. When it was up in the air it moved as soon as you touched the wheel. I turned the lash screw down a half turn and it made it handle alot better. 1 3/4 full turnes from the bottom was the factory setting. Thanks for the info guys.Comment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
I just check the steering play, pitman arm and steering box. It had play only when the car was on the ground. When it was up in the air it moved as soon as you touched the wheel. I turned the lash screw down a half turn and it made it handle alot better. 1 3/4 full turnes from the bottom was the factory setting. Thanks for the info guys.Comment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
Hi Eric,
You should also check the steering coupler, the rubber disk tends to get elongated holes and will give you play in the wheel
Regards MylesComment
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Re: Steering box adjustment
Hi Eric,
You should also check the steering coupler, the rubber disk tends to get elongated holes and will give you play in the wheel
Regards MylesComment
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