First gen expo steering slop

[YungICY]

Hey guys, I'm looking for info some info on how to reduce or eliminate steering slop on my 91 Expo with p/s. I've gone through and eliminated all of the easier suspects like tie rod joints and pitman arm. The issue seems to be coming from the gearbox itself. Is there a way to reduce the slop in the box? I remember reading a post a while back that was talking about the adjustment screw on the gearbox ( example pictured below). Is that actually what that is used for? If so, what is the proper adjustment procedure for it?

Thanks for your help.

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[4x4junkie]

The screw on top is the meshload adjustment.

It's very possible this could be your issue, though it's also possible other parts are worn too.

To adjust the meshload:
Disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm.
Loosen the jam nut that secures the screw and begin tightening the screw (clockwise) in half-turn increments until you just start to feel a bind or stiffness when you rotate the steering gear across center. Loosen the screw just enough to eliminate the bind and then tighten the jam nut and reattach the linkage to pitman arm.

If the gearbox still has too much play after adjusting the meshload, it will need to be replaced.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Also check the rag-joint just above the steering box.

 

[YungICY]

Thanks 4x4. Now when feeling the bind are you saying I will feel that in the steering wheel?

Always floored, that is the rubber "ujoint" type of deal right? I checked for that first but the expo doesn't have one. It just has one solid ujoint.

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[alwaysFlOoReD]

Hmm, I could be wrong but I'm sure there is a rag-joint. I was looking at a steering column today I'm sure I pulled from a 91 explorer. IIRC there is a plastic collar that hides the joint.

 

[YungICY]

That very well could be the case. I didn't pull back the plastic so it probably is hiding under there.

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[4x4junkie]

Yeah there is a rag joint under the plastic shield over the input shaft end of the steering gear.

Yes, the bind while tightening the meshload will be felt in the steering wheel when you turn it across center (or what would be straight-ahead position). It'll come up pretty quick, so is why I suggest go in half-turn steps.

 

[YungICY]

Well I snugged up that mesh load and that help a fair amount. It had to go in a ways. I still have a pretty good amount of slop. I checked out the rag joint and it seems to be holding up pretty well. I think all the gears in the box itself are just worn out pretty bad.

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[4x4junkie]

Yeah sounds like you're probably due for a new box.

You may want to put a power steering filter in your return line after you get the new box so that any wear debris circulating from the old box doesn't cause damage to the new box.