The steering on my '71 is a little sloppy (non power steering car). Is this the bolt to make adjustment? I tried loosing the screw but it didn't want to budge. Before spending too much time wanted to confirm

 

Loosen the nut surrounding the screw. Adjust the screw so it 'bottom's but is not tight, then back the screw off about a quarter turn and tighten the nut. See if that takes some of the slop out of the steering. Good luck.

 

There is a procedure for adjusting the steering box and it is done using that screw with the lock nut on it you showed in the picture. If it turns without making any changes then you likely need to rebuild the steering box. On my box before the rebuild it got real tight when you turned the screw as it does something with the gap between two gears and controls how they mesh together. (I am pretty sure, at least) and when I backed it out the steering got worse and there was no hope of getting the proper feel without an overhaul of the steering box. The steering on my car became jerky and would stick a bit here and there.

I tried getting the play out of my 1968 C3 and ran into a similar problem, I shipped mine off to Van Steel and they rebuilt my box and returned it to me less than three weeks. Never had an issue with it again. If you take the steering box out it will be tougher if you have a big block, I had to remove the headers and numerous other parts to get that box out and back in afterwards. When I did it I just left the car apart awaiting it's newly rebuilt steering box.

I thought about working on it myself but that is a critical part that can cause some ugly problems if it failed or locked up while driving. Like THE Duke once said, "A man has to know his limitations".

Then like an idiot I switched over to a power steering rack and pinion. I purchased a kit and then learned about getting the right pressure from the power steering pump, it was not the easiest swap but it no longer wanders on the highway like it did with the old recirculating ball type of power steering.

Good luck with your Corvette!

Best regards,
Chris

P.S. At least with a manual steering Corvette you don't need a Gym club membership to get a workout!

 

There's actually two adjustments for a manual steering box. Most people overlook the second adjustment. Look up Jim Shea and find his paper on manual steering box adjustments (he was a GM Saginaw engineer and knows what he is talking about). It should be noted that incorrect steering box adjustments could result in box lock up (your steering locks up while driving) so it's important to be sure you know what you're doing and Jim Shea's paper describes an on the car procedure. He also noted that most adjustments in manuals are bench adjustments but as I said he describes how to do an on the car adjustment. Good luck, Russ.

 

Thanks guys. I loosed the nut, lightly tightened the screw then backed it out about 1/4 turn. Tightened the the nut and took her for a spin. No more slop . I'll read through Jim's paper also. Appreciate the help. Wish i did this sooner.

 

Congratulations pwsusi!

I don't know about you but when I can fix something myself there is always a great feeling of satisfaction afterwards!

Being an engineer myself I usually dive right into taking stuff apart. It was somebody who rebuilt Corvette Steering boxes at Corvettes@Carlisle that told me how steering boxes that had been adjusted Improperly "could" seize up while turning the steering wheel at any moment. This conversation made me take mine off and ship it away to get rebuilt by a professional.

Turn One is another company that rebuild Power Steering boxes and pumps and racks and anything steering connected. These guys might be another good source of information and help if you ever need it. They are in Saginaw, Michigan and have been working on this stuff a long time for the big three automakers. They will rebuild the rack and pinion for me and return the original unit that I know will fit properly, and quickly.

Thank you rberman999 for the source of some good information regarding these steering boxes! I would like to know "how" they were designed to work so thanks for pointing us in that direction!

I had a close friend who used to have one of those 1970 LT-1 Corvettes and what a car it was. He died hiking in Alaska by himself and now his brother owns the Corvette. I spent a lot of fast moments in that Corvette and enjoyed the overall performance of that amazing engine.

Best regards,
Chris

 

The proper way to do an on the car box adjustment is with the box on center, this is very important. The front end should be off the ground but it can be done on the ground.

1- Box on center
2- Loosen the lash nut on the lash screw in the cover.
3- If you have a helper had them watch the front tire for movement as you move the steering wheel, move it until you know how much play you have. Bring it back to center
4- Turn the lash screw CW until you feel it snug up slightly, hold the screw and tighten the lash nut. DO NOT back it off, that defeats what you want to do.
5- Have your helper check now for movement in the tire while you check for play, If good test drive. If needed make a slight adjustment again keeping it on center.

This is only an on the car adjustment. It does not address bearing preload which should not be done on the car and most likely the bearings are shot anyway. It does not address loose bushing or bad grease. If you get positive results with the lash adjustment that's fine but the best way is off the car with a dial TW.

Good luck.