Steering wheel play
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Bath Maine
Steering wheel play
I have about 1" play in the steering wheel of my '73 (1/2" wach side of center) before I can feel response at the wheeels. The front end has been checked and is tight. The power steering ram was rebuilt a few years back and the steering wheel centered at that time. the steering box has never been apart, adjusted or rebuilt since I've owned the car. Is there an adjustment in the steering box that will take up this amount of play, or am I looking at a rebuild/new steering box? Any other possibilities or ideas? 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Yes, the lash adjustment on st. box will probably do it. Have done it many times on many cars. See Jim Shea papers on http://www.corvettefaq.com/index.asp
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
you guys who drive rack and pinion equipped cars as daily drivers have to understand that our steering system ain't gonna feel the same. I had a big argument with a instructor at the track about my steering after i made the mistake of letting him drive my car. He thought my steering had too much play and was worn out. I had to convice them thats how its supposed to be.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,986
From: Connecticut, USA
If you adjust the lash screw be careful not to over adjust it. I set the lash to 11-13 in/lbs total with a preload of 3-4 in/lbs. This is almost inpossible to do accurately on the car. removing it and doing it on the bench is the way to go. I did an overhaul tonight on one and set it to those spec's. It has a nice smooth feel until it'son center then it's tightens up a bit and them goes back off when off center again. If you just tight the screw without a refernece you may over tighen it and rapidly wear out the worn rack or pitman sector gear- commonly referred to as "the gears".
If you need help let me know and I'll go through it with you.
Gary
If you need help let me know and I'll go through it with you.
Gary
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City Louisiana
My 73 had about the same amount of slack that you describe. I adjusted the lash and had little affect. Checked the lube in the gearbox and found it dry 
. . . added lube and it took the slop out .
. . . added lube and it took the slop out .
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City Louisiana
There is no fill plug to lube the box. Looking from the top you will see the steering box cover is held in place by 3 hex 1/2" bolts. Remove the front cover bolt to add lube, remove the cover bolt nearest to the driver side fender to check the level. You need to add lube until it is visible in this bolt hole.
Keep in mind that the lube level in the steering box is not something that you need to check on a routine basis. Only if you are troubleshooting steering problems or suspect that you have a leaking seal do you need to check it.
Most of the auto parts stores carry steering box lube in a plastic squeeze bottle with a pointed spout for easy filling.
When I bought my 73 a year ago, there was a lot of slack in my steering that would not adjust out. As a last resort, I bought a bottle of lube to "top" off the level. Apparently, the box was running dry because it took the whole bottle to fill the box. It is obvious that the seals are gone but for now, the steering is tight. I will replace the seals when I can find the time.
Keep in mind that the lube level in the steering box is not something that you need to check on a routine basis. Only if you are troubleshooting steering problems or suspect that you have a leaking seal do you need to check it.
Most of the auto parts stores carry steering box lube in a plastic squeeze bottle with a pointed spout for easy filling.
When I bought my 73 a year ago, there was a lot of slack in my steering that would not adjust out. As a last resort, I bought a bottle of lube to "top" off the level. Apparently, the box was running dry because it took the whole bottle to fill the box. It is obvious that the seals are gone but for now, the steering is tight. I will replace the seals when I can find the time.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Here is the link the the in-car steering gear adjustment procedure that is posted at Terry Rudy's www.corvettefaq.com websight.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/GearAd...-Rev02AU05.doc
There are actually two different adjustments that might be needed. The first is the input shaft thrust bearing system. The second is the sector shaft to ball nut interface.
The paper should get you into the ball park.
Jim
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/GearAd...-Rev02AU05.doc
There are actually two different adjustments that might be needed. The first is the input shaft thrust bearing system. The second is the sector shaft to ball nut interface.
The paper should get you into the ball park.
Jim