Steering wheel slop - why ?
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44
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From: Brighton MI
Steering wheel slop - why ?
I have a 75 L48 with power steering. I can turn my steering wheel a fair distance in either direction without the wheels turning. The rag joint is old and ugly but doesn't seem to have any play in it. I'm assuming that the slop must be in the steering gear box. The gear box also has a slow fluid leak. I've already replaced inner / outer tie rod ends, idler is ok, slave and power cylinder are fine. Just looking for some agreement on my diagnosis and some input on whether to rebuild it myself or buy a rebuilt one and from where.
Thanks for the help.
John.
Thanks for the help.
John.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Steering wheel slop - why ? (John Cassidy)
I have a 75 with the same problem. I replace all steering components and the problem was still there. I also adjusted the box with little difference. I finally rebuilt the steering box with new bearings and seals and it still didn't improve much. I finally went all the way and replace the 3 bushings for the pitman arms. This really tightened up the box. After installing the 3 bushings, removing the end play from the pitman shaft and adjusting the box it really tightened everything up. Rebuilding the box was easy enough and the bushings can be ordered. Any shop could press the bushings in and hone to perfect fit.
My steering is now tight like any new car.
My steering is now tight like any new car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Steering wheel slop - why ? (norvalwilhelm)
The two pitman shaft bushings that are pressed into the gear housing bore are GM #266316. They come as a pair and can be obtained through any GM dealer. There is a third bushing that is part of the side cover. You have to purchase a whole new side cover kit if you have slop in this area. The side cover kit is 7806748.
BTW The Chevrolet Overhaul Manual shows pressing the old bushings out and installing the two new bushings in the gear housing. It does not make any mention of having to hone the new bushings once they are installed.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 8:55 AM 5/14/2002]
BTW The Chevrolet Overhaul Manual shows pressing the old bushings out and installing the two new bushings in the gear housing. It does not make any mention of having to hone the new bushings once they are installed.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 8:55 AM 5/14/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Steering wheel slop - why ? (Jim Shea)
Jim I did not go with the GM bushings. I bought bearing bronze almost the right size and machined them myself. After installing 3 I honed them to a perfect fit around .001. You told me about the GM bushings after I had made my 3. I did add a new one to the cap. We have a large line honer and it was easy to hone the box.
