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Well-Known Member
This is a How-To, designed to help people out there tighten up "loose" or "sloppy" steering.
Tools needed:
-large flathead screwdriver
-either an 18" or a 12" and a 6" extension
-a 1/2" or 3/8" ratchet
-5/8", deep well socket
-the appropriate universal joint
-5/8" combination wrench
First, raise the vehicle with a jack enough to clear the front wheels off of the ground. Set the front of the vehicle on jackstands.
Next, check your linkages. If any are loose, correct this first, as the adjustment at the steering gear box will not clear up the problem. Check for tightness and lubricate as necessary.
Next, check your steering wheel. If it is loose, determine how loose it is. If it is more than 2" of play, check the rubber joints on the intermediate shaft. This shaft is located at the firewall, in the engine compartment, and it goes to the gear box. If the joints aren't deteriorated, and and flex as they should, go to the next step.
Next, locate the locknut and flathead screw on the top of the box. Using the extension, or extensions, and the universal joint, use the socket and ratchet to break the locknut loose.
After breaking the locknut loose, use the combination wrench to hold the locknut while the adjusting screw is tightened. Only tighten the screw 1/4" of a turn at a time. After each adjustment, check the play in the steering wheel. Once a play of less than 2", but more than 1" is attained, retighten the locknut. If the screw is tightened and there is no play whatsoever, loosen the adjusting screw 1/2 turn and tighten the locknut down.
And there you go--you have now successfully adjusted your steering gear box!
WARNING: If the gear box is tightened too tight, the gears inside the box can bind or break, causing a catastrophic failure that results in the loss of steering capability.
Tools needed:
-large flathead screwdriver
-either an 18" or a 12" and a 6" extension
-a 1/2" or 3/8" ratchet
-5/8", deep well socket
-the appropriate universal joint
-5/8" combination wrench
First, raise the vehicle with a jack enough to clear the front wheels off of the ground. Set the front of the vehicle on jackstands.
Next, check your linkages. If any are loose, correct this first, as the adjustment at the steering gear box will not clear up the problem. Check for tightness and lubricate as necessary.
Next, check your steering wheel. If it is loose, determine how loose it is. If it is more than 2" of play, check the rubber joints on the intermediate shaft. This shaft is located at the firewall, in the engine compartment, and it goes to the gear box. If the joints aren't deteriorated, and and flex as they should, go to the next step.
Next, locate the locknut and flathead screw on the top of the box. Using the extension, or extensions, and the universal joint, use the socket and ratchet to break the locknut loose.
After breaking the locknut loose, use the combination wrench to hold the locknut while the adjusting screw is tightened. Only tighten the screw 1/4" of a turn at a time. After each adjustment, check the play in the steering wheel. Once a play of less than 2", but more than 1" is attained, retighten the locknut. If the screw is tightened and there is no play whatsoever, loosen the adjusting screw 1/2 turn and tighten the locknut down.
And there you go--you have now successfully adjusted your steering gear box!
WARNING: If the gear box is tightened too tight, the gears inside the box can bind or break, causing a catastrophic failure that results in the loss of steering capability.
