steering box ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
steering box ?
I have 1/4 slop in the steering wheel before the wheels move. While driving the car feels OK unless the road gets rough then it wanders.
I tried the in car adjustment per jimsheas papers but I had to remove the steering box because my headers wouldn't allow me the loosen the sheet metal lock ring.
Now that I have the box on the bench there doesn't seem to be any play between the input shaft and pitman arm. Which may be because there is no load on it.
What is the procedure for adjusting the steering box out of the car?
I tried the in car adjustment per jimsheas papers but I had to remove the steering box because my headers wouldn't allow me the loosen the sheet metal lock ring.
Now that I have the box on the bench there doesn't seem to be any play between the input shaft and pitman arm. Which may be because there is no load on it.
What is the procedure for adjusting the steering box out of the car?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
This is the info I used -
1963 - 1982 Corvette Steering Gear Overhaul & Adjustment,by Duke Williams & Bill Bradley
http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ox%rebuild.pdf
Sorry couldn't post the link correctly, hope it works!
1963 - 1982 Corvette Steering Gear Overhaul & Adjustment,by Duke Williams & Bill Bradley
http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...ox%rebuild.pdf
Sorry couldn't post the link correctly, hope it works!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
Do you mean you have a 1/4 turn of slop?
Wether or not it's the source of your problem, if you have the box out of the car, I'd recommend rebuilding it. It's a satisfying project that can be done in an afternoon. Rebuild kits are about $60 IIRC, and the only special tools you need are bushing drivers (less than $20 for a decent set at HF) and an inch-lb torque wrench.
Jim Shea's info is excellent. I also used this thread as a resource:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...rocedures.html
(I didn't machine my own bushings or grind the lash shims, I just used what was in the kit)
Good luck!
Wether or not it's the source of your problem, if you have the box out of the car, I'd recommend rebuilding it. It's a satisfying project that can be done in an afternoon. Rebuild kits are about $60 IIRC, and the only special tools you need are bushing drivers (less than $20 for a decent set at HF) and an inch-lb torque wrench.
Jim Shea's info is excellent. I also used this thread as a resource:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...rocedures.html
(I didn't machine my own bushings or grind the lash shims, I just used what was in the kit)
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
I finally got the large sheet metal lock nut off the input adjuster but the adjuster will not turn. I am soaking it in PB blaster over night. Any ideas on how to remove it? Heat, Impact wrench ?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
So I am not suppose to do any adjustments to the worm adjuster?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you weren't supposed to adjust the 'wear' out of the steering box, as years pas by, GM would not have spent the money to put an [accessible] adjuster nut on the box. Yes. You can adjust that screw to reduce the "slop" in the steering system, IF:
1. that 'slop' is actually in the steering box and NOT in the other steering components;
2. you learn how to properly make that adjustment;
3. you test the vehicle's steering performance when making that adjustment and leave it in an optimum position.
If you just "go at it with a wrench and screwdriver" then, NO, you shouldn't be messing with it.
1. that 'slop' is actually in the steering box and NOT in the other steering components;
2. you learn how to properly make that adjustment;
3. you test the vehicle's steering performance when making that adjustment and leave it in an optimum position.
If you just "go at it with a wrench and screwdriver" then, NO, you shouldn't be messing with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,417
Likes: 1,554
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
You can rebuild it yourself.
Here's a how to with pictures.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/tech...g-box-rebuild/
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/tech...g-box-rebuild/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Here's a good link to do a steering box overhaul. At the least it will give you an idea of what's involved and what parts wear out.
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=76773
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=76773
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
After removing the steering box I did get the worm gear adjustment nut loose and followed Jim shea s steering paper to adjust the steering box. The steering is much better. The car still feels loose on bumpy roads. My future plans are to rebuild both front and rear suspension s and the steering assembly. My rag joint look to be in good condition.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Clawson Michigan
I was going to replace the rag joint while I had it apart buy I've read a lot of posts where they say the new rag joints are low quality. This winter I am installing a new engine and while the engine is out I am going to send my steering box off to bairs to be rebuilt. A side note the tires I have are about 15 years old. I am replacing the current eagle st with a new set of nitto 555. 255-45/17 which I think will help my handeling somewhat. Those old eagles seem to break loose very easy while accelerating and in turns. Back of car feels like its going to come around if I don't get off the gas in turns.