steering problem
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: PANAMA CITY FL
steering problem
I have the rack and pinion power assisted steering on my 73. It started wining 2day as when one need fluid but this is not total power steering so no reservoir I took the plate off with the 3 bolts and 1 adjustment screw in middle added some fluid but how do I know how much to put in as well as how to properly adjust the screwbolt in center. still wines a little but steering is much stiffer??? I'm at a loss on this one as I've never worked on rack and pinion with power assist. If ya got some answers my ears are open.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
Not what you want to hear
From what you are saying. You took the top cover off the steering box?
The box uses grease for lubrication not fluid.If so that was a bad move. as it would not cause a whine. The pump would cause a whine LOW on fluid. It is confusing to me that you say it is rack and pinion which would indicate an aftermarket unit. You said you took the cover off the box which indicates you have a stock power asist not rack and pinion. Look at the sticky threads GTR1999 Gary has articles about steering boxes.
From what you are saying. You took the top cover off the steering box?
The box uses grease for lubrication not fluid.If so that was a bad move. as it would not cause a whine. The pump would cause a whine LOW on fluid. It is confusing to me that you say it is rack and pinion which would indicate an aftermarket unit. You said you took the cover off the box which indicates you have a stock power asist not rack and pinion. Look at the sticky threads GTR1999 Gary has articles about steering boxes.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
If you have a stock steering box it is not rack and pinion. The box is lubed with GM chassis grease and the bolt in the center with a lock nut is to adjust the lash. Sounds like you got it to tight if the steering effort increased.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
It's not a rack and pinion, it's called a power ram set up. there is a power steering fluid pump that is below the alternator, it can be hard to see, it is black with a black circular cap with indentations on it. what you did, as noted above, was add power stering fluid to the manual steering box, which works in conjunction with the power ram, which is hooked to the drag link. the manual box uses grease, only. Power steering fluid is abrasive, and may destroy your gear. it has to come out. I would recomend sending it to Gary, GTR1999, here on this forum to rebuild it. Van steel is also a good source, as is VBP, but no one builds them better then Gary, hands down.
