Does the Steering box need replacement?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Saint Johns Florida
Does the Steering box need replacement?
1971 small block convertible
How much free play is normal in the steering box? I’m getting what I believe is too much free play in the steering wheel. Initially I had about ¾ of an inch maybe a little more when turning the wheel from one side to other from center before the pitman arm would move. I tightened down the lash adjuster screw and was able to reduce this to about ½ inch before the steering became noticeably harder to turn. My guess is that it’s the original box (W/PS) but really don’t know since I’m the 4th maybe the 5th owner. Is all this free play an indication that the worm gear is worn and the box needs to be replaced? Needless to say driving with all this free play and no road feedback is very annoying and maybe dangerous. Thanks for any help.
How much free play is normal in the steering box? I’m getting what I believe is too much free play in the steering wheel. Initially I had about ¾ of an inch maybe a little more when turning the wheel from one side to other from center before the pitman arm would move. I tightened down the lash adjuster screw and was able to reduce this to about ½ inch before the steering became noticeably harder to turn. My guess is that it’s the original box (W/PS) but really don’t know since I’m the 4th maybe the 5th owner. Is all this free play an indication that the worm gear is worn and the box needs to be replaced? Needless to say driving with all this free play and no road feedback is very annoying and maybe dangerous. Thanks for any help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Is the top of the lash adjuster screw even with the lock nut? If so, you are out of adjustment range and the gear needs to be rebuilt. I would suggest sending the gear box to Gary for a rebuild.
Also, have you checked on the condition of your flexible coupling? The rubber disc can get old and doesn't carry your steering inputs as precisely as a new part. I know that there are a lot of problems trying to find good replacement flex coupling assemblies. Right now I don't have a good replacement answer however.
Jim
Also, have you checked on the condition of your flexible coupling? The rubber disc can get old and doesn't carry your steering inputs as precisely as a new part. I know that there are a lot of problems trying to find good replacement flex coupling assemblies. Right now I don't have a good replacement answer however.
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Not much.
Better but not great.
You might want to back the lash off a little.
Sounds like rebuilt, yes. Replaced, possibly not.
was able to reduce this to about ½ inch
the steering became noticeably harder to turn
box needs to be replaced?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Before resorting to the adjustment on the steering box, make sure that there is very little excess movement in the steering linkages, ball joints, idler arm, A-arm bushings, and flexible coupling. If those have free motion/slack, the steering box adjustment won't help you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
If you suspect the excess play to the box ,look into replacing with the Borgeson box.One of the best upgrades made to the Vette.Bolts up in the stock location,looks factory.No more leaking ram,hoses under the car.Steering is quick and the feel is great..
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG]
[/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Saint Johns Florida
Thanks for the quick replys. The lash adjuster screw is showing 2-3 threads above the lock nut. When turned in until it stops (2 threads showing), the steering is way to tight and I still have the 1/2" at the wheel. The flex rag coupling appears to be in good shape with no free flex or movement when the wheel is turned. I believe it and many of the front end parts were refurbished or replaced about 6000 miles (6-7 years) ago. I checked them when I bought the car back in August but need to recheck those components again this weekend. The car doesn't wonder much, but the free play at the wheel sucks.
How do I get in touch with Gary?
How do I get in touch with Gary?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Saint Johns Florida
I would love to put in the Borgeson box but don't think I have room with the JBA Performance Headers. With the stock box there is only about 1/8" clearence between the left front pipe out of the collector box.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I would do the Borgeson thing, or maybe a rack conversion, get quicker/better steering you will notice the improvement right away.....
the old stock system was based on 50's technology,
other than the obvious maintenance to a cars old as ours, the largest improvement is larger rims and modern tires...at least 17".....
after that is quicker steering, and a front tower cross support.....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
[/IMG]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
Before you do anything, I would get down there and watch while someone turns the wheels, and see where the play is actually at.
I recently had excessive play in the steering, and it turned out to be the control valve ball joint. Simple rebuild of the control valve, and the play was gone.
I recently had excessive play in the steering, and it turned out to be the control valve ball joint. Simple rebuild of the control valve, and the play was gone.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,455
Likes: 977
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I too have a GTR1999 rebuilt/blue printed steering box by Gary. I was shocked by how good the OEM box can be when setup correctly with a custom olite bushing on the shaft and adjusted correctly. As other have noted, I also switched to 17 inch rims after the rebuild of my OEM box since I wanted to get the most out of the stock system which was quite noticeable with the rebuilt box. To me the only downside to having Gary rebuild your OEM box is that it still has the stock ratio which to me is fine on the street. My steering has zero play in it now but all of my front end components have been replaced over the years-and completed BEFORE the box rebuild so I know that the big improvement came from just the rebuild.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Saint Johns Florida
St. Johns is 1/2 way between JAX and St Augustine. I'm about 4 miles south of the Buckman Bridge off of San Jose. Where is the exhaust shop and name? Maybe he can do something giving me room for the Borgeson, if not then Sounds like Gary is a second best choice. Going to do some more checking over the weekend.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran