I recently had play in the steering wheel ... changed idler arm and also changed steering valve and steering gear.. had 4 wheel alignment and told everything was tight... still play in wheel .. has anyone adjusted the steering box and what is the procedure...thanks..Bob

There is a screw/bolt with a lock nut on the top of the steering box. Loosen the lock nut, adjust the play with the screw, and retighten the lock nut.

You want to adjust so the steering wheel/input shaft has a tiny bit of play before the steering box responds. If you get it too tight the steering won't want to return to center, and it will wear out the steering box shaft and bearings quickly. You want some play but little as possible. This is a fine line so take your time with the adjustment.

yeah what he said


but any decent shop doing a 4 wheel alignment should have done this for you.

I took mine to a shop here for an alignment and they aligned, tightened the slack out, and even recentered the steering wheel (by repositioning the steering "knuckle").

its a pity most people dont take pride in their work anymore.

|UPDATED|5/29/2004 11:25:57 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Ben, your right, they should. Many don't.

Actually center the steering wheel involves adjusting the toe settings. Not only does total toe in need to be correct, but if the wheel is off center one side is moved in and the other moved out. When both are equal to each other with the steering centered, the steering wheel will be right.

kstyer said: Ben, your right, they should. Many don't. Actually center the steering wheel involves adjusting the toe settings. Not only does total toe in need to be correct, but if the wheel is off center one side is moved in and the other moved out. When both are equal to each other with the steering centered, the steering wheel will be right.

not with mine.. I had the wheel way off.. i was was in a hurry when i was putting together after frame off and just put the steering on any old way..