I just bought a 1970 with Power Steering. I've been fixing all the things that need it. When driving it appears that there is a small resistance at the center of travel. Just enough to make it hard to stay on center in both directions. Is this caused by the adjustment of the box too tight? Anyone ever noticed this?

VG

 

Hi, the steering box is designed to have a tighter feel at center, but it is possible a previous owner has overtightened the adjustment on the top of the steering box, you could loosen the locknut on the top and turn the screw say an eighth of a turn anticlockwise and see how it feels. If the steering box has never been touched I would be inclined to take the top off and check the condition of the grease in it. Chances are if it is like mine when I bought it the grease had been dried out by is close proximity to the exhaust manifold.
Another thing to consider is how much caster your wheel alinement is set up with, the std settings for a '70 were for bias ply tires and when fitted with radials the steering feels "darty" at least that is my experience.

 

Be careful if you 'take the top off' that steering box. Doing so must be done with proper procedure or you can mess it up quickly. Yes, the steering wheel should come back to center position on its own, so the box is too tight. As mentioned, put box wrench on the lock nut and screwdriver on the adjuster nut. Hold screwdriver in fixed position and loosen the lock nut. Back adjuster off 1/8 turn, and while holding it there, lock the nut. Follow this process as many times as necessary to get the wheel to self-center after a turn. If the steering feels like there is 'slop' in the system when you get it to return properly, the box gears are worn. You must decide if you can accept the 'tight' steering box or whether you have it repaired/rebuilt.

 

Also may want to check the power steering valve. That valve needs to be centered as well.

 

Thanks for the information. I will work on it.

I had this problem on my 1970 Cuda and a Borgeson box. I could not adjust it out. I replaced the box.