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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: lvlnd.CO
Posts: 55
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adjust stearing box or replace??
my 1987 gmc s15 has a lot of play in the steering and ive already replaced idler arm, center link, and berrings so i assume its the steering box or gear if thats wut its called. ive been told by some that i can just adjust it to fix the problem but others say if i do it would just lok up when i turned,without the proper sevice manuals i wouldnt know how to adjust it if it could be, id appreciate any input, thanks
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#2 |
At the body shop.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,212
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
On the top of the box/gear what ever There is a 9/16 nut with a allen set screw. Back off the nut screw the allen down a bit and re tighten the nut. Check the play... Go a little at a time keep checking it. If that doesnt help you may to replace it
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 13,821
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
it is a worm gear lash adjustment...if it is don't incorrectly, or if the gears are too worn, it is very possible that by adjusting it you could ruin the box and put your self and others at risk by loosing the ability to steer...just FYI
google it
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#4 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: galt ca,
Posts: 749
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
so you swaped the idler and center link, what about the other 9 tre/ball joints?
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#5 |
One shot, one kill.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Saratoga Springs NY
Posts: 859
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
Foo: I was a chevy mechanic for 33 years and only VERY rarely did a steering gear need adjustment of any kind at all. Most often ANY play in the wheel is from tie rod ends followed by the idler arm followed by ball joints (2WD). On 4WD most often the play is from the joints on the short shaft from pitman arm to the left spindle connection followed by ball joints. Let us know what you find. Jim
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1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shot ![]() |
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#6 |
Still plays with trucks
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 3,556
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
On the S-series you need to replace the ball joints and possibly the a-arm bushings too.
You will have it most of the way apart when you do the ball joints so you might as well do a little more work and change the bushings too so you don't have to tear it all back apart again. |
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,194
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
Quote:
There are two adjustments: the base adjustment is the big nut on the end (like where the rag joint attaches). Then, the allen screw and lock nut adjust the "over center" torque - which affects on center stability. The rotating torque (of the steering shaft) should be 8 - 10 in lbs for the base torque; over center torque is 18 - 20 in lbs. Lastly - you should remove the gear from the frame to do this properly. If you are serious I'd try to find a Unit Repair manual to walk you through the process. K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: lvlnd.CO
Posts: 55
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
i gues that adjustment is a little riskyer than originaly thought for my rookie skills so i might just have to replace. can junkyard boxes be worthy? and no i havnt touched the ball joints or tierod ends so thatl probley be my next step. i have tried replacing tha CA bushings but i guess i didnt have the right puller kuz it just bent them. is it nessasary to remove the CA's to pull them?? thanks to all for your help
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#9 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: galt ca,
Posts: 749
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
the adjustent itself is not sketchy or risky.
loosen the locking nut, run the stem down till it stops, back it off a half turn. lock it down. any junkyard box is just as likely to need the same amount of adjustment. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: lvlnd.CO
Posts: 55
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
alright il give it a try then before i try to get a new one thanks
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#11 | |
Still plays with trucks
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 3,556
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
Quote:
The poly bushing easily presses back into the stock shell. |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: lvlnd.CO
Posts: 55
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Re: adjust stearing box or replace??
nice although the only replacement bushings i have found already come installed into a shell, i guess i havnt looked hard enuf thanks!
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