94xjohio

So I got some play in my steering. Turning the wheel back and forth nothing moves from pitman arm to the wheel. Is that steering box play? Its bolted to the rail solid. Does it need be adjusted by the bolt and nut thats on top the box? Never seen this our had this problem before.

Thanks

If this had been discussed before sorry havnt found the thread yet

Gee oh Dee

Yes, it sounds like you are in need of a steering box, but check the shaft from the steering column to the box just in case.

car5car

Make sure pitman arm nut is not lose and there is no free play between pitman arm and shaft it attached to. Adjust steering box, find instructions. Mark nut and adjustment stud by white touch up paint.
If adjustment doesn't work, get another box.
You can also have free play in steering shaft.
It took me long time to diagnose free play in my Durango steering:
bought steering shaft (between steering wheel and gear box) $30 junk yard
bought rebuilt gear box from Advance $100
adjusted gear box

Radi

To adjust that nut on top (sector shaft preload), center the steering wheel by turning full left, then counting the turns to full right, then coming back left 1/2 the full number of turns.
Loosen the locknut while holding the center screw in place.
Adjust the center screw clockwise until you feel resistance.
Adjust the center screw back counter-clockwise 1/8 turn.
Tighten locknut while holding center screw in place.
Go for a drive- pay careful attention to see if the steering still returns to center and there is no binding when it passes the center position. If you have either, turn the adjustment back counterclockwise 1/8 turn and try again.
If you still have steering slop, the box is worn internally and needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

Note this is NOT the approved method of adjustment. The correct method involves removing the box and measuring the resistance passing through center with an inch-pound torque wrench....but it'll get you close.

94xjohio

Whats the torque for that center bolt. What is it the torque in inch lbs?

BotakBeng

....and a few supporting pics,



Video

Radi

It's not the center bolt that has to be torqued in inch-pounds, the torque wrench is to measure at the steering shaft input...you set the preload by measuring the resistance as the box is turned through dead center.

94xjohio

K gotcha. Made a 1/8 turn adjustment made a world of difference. No binding, no noises feels good. Showed me the Track bar bushing shot. So will replace that this weekend and check it again