cicconjo

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.

AzMotorhead

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.

cicconjo

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.

mikem350

To add to above
Try greasing the front end (or check for binding), and check tire air pressure

cicconjo

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.

MelWff

as long as you mark your original setting you can loosen the nut and turn the screw 1/4 turn counter clockwise

Iceaxe

^^^THIS^^^

Turning the screw 1/4 turn CCW will not hurt anything. Best of all it takes less then 5 minutes and you will instantly know if that is your issue.

bruiser

It could be a bad alignment. My car did the same thing after being aligned. I just moved the shims from the front to the back of the arm.

cicconjo

Thanks guys. I will try this later this week when I have time to drive it after and will report back.

cicconjo

Yeah that was it.

AzMotorhead

What bad alignment?

7T1vette

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.

MelWff

I believe the OP's statement of "Yeah that was it" meant he loosened the screw a 1/4 turn and that resolved his issue.

7T1vette

Thanks, MelWff. I didn't see ICEAXE response above. Glad that did the job.

cicconjo

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.