Loose Steering, should i replace the box?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 31
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Loose Steering, should i replace the box?
Hello everybody, i got a 73 vette, and i recently replaced all the bushings with pollys, and put in fresh tie rod ends and ball joints, Basicaly replaced everything but the steering box itself. At highway speeds i get a decent amount of steering wheel play without making the car swerve back and fourth, im left with the steering box to blame since the rag joint is nice and tight. Does anybody know of a good place for a good reman? I was also considering maybe a rack and pinion setup, but its big money. Could somebody tell me how a rack and pinion setup would compair with a perfectly tightend up stock setup? Thanks alot guys. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Your steering box is adjustable for gear preload and might only need that. Is the pitman arm tight on both ends? If you have power steering there's possible play in the steering valve (also adjustable) and the steering cylinder itself. Do a bit more sleuthing under there and perhaps you need only invest an hour or so of time to cure the looseness.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Your steering box is adjustable for gear preload and might only need that. Is the pitman arm tight on both ends? If you have power steering there's possible play in the steering valve (also adjustable) and the steering cylinder itself. Do a bit more sleuthing under there and perhaps you need only invest an hour or so of time to cure the looseness.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
There's a set screw on the top of the box. It looks like a screw inside a nut because that's just what it is. Loosen the nut, and turn the inner screw down until you just feel resistance, then back off a few degrees. Holding the screw in position with the driver, snug the nut down. If your steering now feels "notchy", of will not self center on the road you've gone too tight and will need to back it off a notch.
