Power Steering gear lash adjusting screw
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
Power Steering gear lash adjusting screw
Gents.
1980 Corvette
All of my front end as been adjusted, fixed etc...
Alignment is excellent, new tires with new rims...
She drives hands free
Minimum problem: Bit too much "slack / play" in steering when driving.
How much slack/play ? approx /maybe 2" to 3" inches
I can drive and live it alone....
Spoke/met with another vette owner and he advised that FINE adjustment can be fixed by the top screw on top of the steering box.
Before I start playing with that screw, how sensitive is she ?
Don't want to make it worst than it is
There's a lock nut to loosen and then a simple screw to turn etc...
Any input anyone ?
Anyone experienced with that adjustment ?
Phil
1980 Corvette
All of my front end as been adjusted, fixed etc...
Alignment is excellent, new tires with new rims...
She drives hands free
Minimum problem: Bit too much "slack / play" in steering when driving.
How much slack/play ? approx /maybe 2" to 3" inches
I can drive and live it alone....
Spoke/met with another vette owner and he advised that FINE adjustment can be fixed by the top screw on top of the steering box.
Before I start playing with that screw, how sensitive is she ?
Don't want to make it worst than it is
There's a lock nut to loosen and then a simple screw to turn etc...
Any input anyone ?
Anyone experienced with that adjustment ?
Phil
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,187
Likes: 4,010
From: Connecticut, USA
That screw is the lash adjuster. Over tightening will wear out the center tooth and the gears will be wrecked. The difference in feel between good and bad is very fine and I suggest you review the whole procedure before attempting it. I'll PM you info to help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Check out http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=4. there are two methods for adjusting lash. The best one calls for completely removing the box from the car and adjusting it with a 0 to 30 inch/lb torque wrench. The second method can be done with the box still in the car. With both methods you will have to disconnect the pitman arm (disconnecting the pitman arm is probably the hardest part of removing the box if you opt for that method).
Loosening the jam nut and just turning the lash adjuster screw is not the recommended way to adjust the box, and could result in some serious damage to the gears.
Have you checked the steering coupler (rag joint)? That is frequently the culprit if you have replaced all of the other steering components and still have some slop in the steering. The same link above has info on how to check it too. Thanks again to Mr. Jim Shea.
Best to elimintate all other possibilities before diving into the box.
Loosening the jam nut and just turning the lash adjuster screw is not the recommended way to adjust the box, and could result in some serious damage to the gears.
Have you checked the steering coupler (rag joint)? That is frequently the culprit if you have replaced all of the other steering components and still have some slop in the steering. The same link above has info on how to check it too. Thanks again to Mr. Jim Shea.
Best to elimintate all other possibilities before diving into the box.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
hey please, can you PM info about adjusting the lash adjuster. thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You didn't mention the condition of the ragjoint (flex coupling between column and steering box). Lock down the shaft going into the steering box (so that it cannot turn when the column shaft turns) and see how much movement you still have in the wheel. If very little, the ragjoint is decent; with the same amount of movement you saw before, the ragjoint is your problem.
Also, if you are checking 'slop' with the engine not running, there WILL be movement. The P/S pump has to be running to put pressure into the control valve to keep it all tight. With engine OFF, there will be free movement in the control valve.
Also, if you are checking 'slop' with the engine not running, there WILL be movement. The P/S pump has to be running to put pressure into the control valve to keep it all tight. With engine OFF, there will be free movement in the control valve.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Sep 27, 2018 at 06:40 AM.
