Steering box adjustment procedure
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
From: MA
Steering box adjustment procedure
Just had replaced the steering box and had alignment done on my '69, and I believe I need to loosen the steering box adjustment screw a little because the wheel is not returning to center quickly. Can someone let me know how this is done? My understanding is that with the steering at center, I loosen the nut and then turn the adjustment screw 1/4 turn counter-clockwise and then, holding the screw fixed, tighten the nut down.
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
The screw and jam nut on the steering box are for setting the lash of the rack and sector gears
Turning that will have no affect of wheel returning to center.
Caster ,Toe and the hydraulics of the PS system will play into the return to center.
Turning that will have no affect of wheel returning to center.
Caster ,Toe and the hydraulics of the PS system will play into the return to center.
Last edited by AzMotorhead; Apr 3, 2017 at 10:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
From: MA
Thanks for the help. I agree and understand that, but couldn't an over-tightened adjustment screw also hinder the wheel's ability to return to center? All components are brand new, good power, good hydraulics, good alignment. I thought if I can loosen the screw a bit it might relax the system enough for the wheel to come back without creating too much free play.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
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From: Sunrise FL
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
From: MA
Thanks Mike. Front end is a couple of years rebuilt, tire pressure is good. Car had original steering at over 100k miles, last major system that I had to re-do. Only issue was the typical 40+ year slop but it was time for a re-do.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Draper Utah
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From: Crossville TN
If the steering box lash is set too tight, the steering wheel will not be self-centering. Put a box wrench over the lock-nut, put a screwdriver in the adjustment stem slot and hold it in position. Break the lock-nut loose with the wrench, then turn the adjustment screw 1/4 turn CCW; hold the screwdriver to retain that new position and lock the nut down tight (no need to crank it).
Drive the car and see if the wheel is more free and returns to center. If not, make another 1/4 turn CCW adjustment.
If you have backed off that screw 1/2 turn and have observed no change, I highly recommend that you send a PM to Jim_Shea and ask his advice. The mechanic who installed the steering box is responsible for making it "right". But, knowing what SHOULD be done (from Mr. Shea) would be useful before you talk with your mechanic.
Drive the car and see if the wheel is more free and returns to center. If not, make another 1/4 turn CCW adjustment.
If you have backed off that screw 1/2 turn and have observed no change, I highly recommend that you send a PM to Jim_Shea and ask his advice. The mechanic who installed the steering box is responsible for making it "right". But, knowing what SHOULD be done (from Mr. Shea) would be useful before you talk with your mechanic.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
From: MA
Yes guys, loosening the nut and turning the screw a little more than 1/4 did it. I think it was simply set to tight from the get go. Glad it was that simple. Nice new factory set-up now, really pleased.