Excess Play in Steering Gearbox?

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Sep 5, 2004 | 12:58 PM

AnthonyLT1

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From: La Mesa CA

Excess Play in Steering Gearbox?

One of the bugs I am presently trying to work out is excess freeplay in the steering box. When I assembled the steering and front suspension I used all new parts and Bushings, and the steering box was remanufactured. I notice there is a Stud with a slot in the top and a locknut on top of the gearbox, is this a way to adjust the freeplay??? Anyone know what the problem could be?

Any help would be appreciated

Sep 5, 2004 | 01:31 PM

zwede

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From: Plano TX

Yes, the screw you see on the top of the box is for freeplay adjustment. I got a reman box years ago and it came with excessive play. I tightened it up and it's been fine for years.

The trick is to find the adjustment that has the least amount of play, but no binding. If you tighten it too much it will wear the box out.

I'd recommend you tighten the screw 1/8 turn, then drive it and see how it feels. If it is still loose do another 1/8 turn until it feels good.

To adjust, take a big screwdriver and hold the screw while you loosen the nut. Turn screw 1/8 turn and then hold the screw again while tightening the nut.

Sep 5, 2004 | 01:45 PM

AnthonyLT1

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From: La Mesa CA

Thanks for the Help Zwede, I will try it!

Sep 5, 2004 | 04:35 PM

Motor City Vette

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From: Las Vegas NV

Can somoeone post a picture showing the screw on the steering box your talking about?

Sep 5, 2004 | 06:58 PM

zwede

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From: Plano TX

Just look at your steering box from the top. The screw in question is the one in the middle. It's the only one with a slot for a screwdriver. The bolts holding the cover are all hex head.

Sep 5, 2004 | 07:11 PM

AnthonyLT1

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From: La Mesa CA

I was able to eliminate most of the freeplay in the steering by adjusting the stud on top. I noticed as I removed the freeplay the steering got tighter (Harder) to turn? I suspect I had a bad power steering pump prior to this adjustment, so I will replace next and see if it helps? Is there any way to tell how much freeplay you can remove? I still have alittle left but I dont want to overdo it and wear out the gearbox quickly! Thanks

Sep 5, 2004 | 07:42 PM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

Be sure when you're adjusting the lash the wheels are straight and the box is in the middle of it's travel from lock to lock. This is where you want the adjustment. The pitman sector and worm nut have tapered teeth,as the pitman arm is lowered it creates an interference fit with the worm nut. If you tighen them off center then it will be too much on center and wear out the gears. You can also check out Jim Shea's info on www.corvettefaq.com he goes through on the car setup too.
I prefer to remove the box and setup the preloads. Good luck.
Gary

Sep 5, 2004 | 07:47 PM

zwede

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From: Plano TX

Be very careful when you feel steering effort increase! If the box is worn you cannot remove the slop with the top screw. All you'll do is wear the worm gear out real quick. The top screw can only be adjusted for minimal play if the box is in good shape.

You should probably put the front on jackstands and with the engine off you can find the adjustment that removes the most slack without any binding. Also note that with the screw too tight it may not bind in the center, but close to the stops. Turn the wheel all the way back and forth and check for resistance.