Power steering box question?

[myyamr7]

My 71 c10 seems to have a bit more than normal free play in the steering, just wondering if it can be adjusted out with the allen screw on top of the box? If I recall, the manual steering boxes you were able to adjust out the free play in them.
It's not extreme, and not really an issue if the road is in good condition, but older roads where there is a crown or something, it seems to drift with the change in road surface. Or even changing lanes on the freeway?

Thanks

[Hawghauler]

I think it's the same story as the manual. You just have to be careful not to go too far or your wheel won't return to center when you let go. There may be other complications from going to far as well. But I'm no expert, but I'm sure one will chime in soon.

[WIDESIDE72]

You can adjust the ps box the same way you adjust a manual box, if you have done that before. Adjusting the allen screw/ nut only takes out the slack you feel in the steering wheel before it actually moves the wheels. Anything else will only be solved in repairing/ replacing front suspension parts.

[hugger6933]

Please forgive me I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but have you looked at the rag joint? I have had quite a few come to me wanting to change out their boxes saying it was bad and the ragjoint indeed was the problem. Jim

[Stocker]

^ I like the idea of checking the rag joint.

As said above, yes, it can be adjusted same as a manual box. But you may only be buying a little time.... the box simply might be worn out and ready for replacement.

[myyamr7]

Cool, thanks for the quick replies. The truck has 116,000 miles, and it's not a huge issue so I'm ok with buying some time for now.

Yes, I've checked the rag joint and the prior owner replaced it and it still seems tight and in good condition. When I turn the steering shaft from under the hood, everything seems to move together and there's maybe 1/8th of a turn of play before the steering arm starts to move

[Bigdav160]

Adjusting the sector like that isn't really the correct way to adjust the box. Many people make the steering worse by doing so.

[swamp rat]

Heads up, the 40 year old worm gear wears in the center because the steering wheel is there about 85-90 % of the time, if you adjust it at the center its likely to bind up when at full turn right or left, make your adjustment with the wheel turned to one side or the other to where it won't bind up, if it binds up your likely to end up damaging the gears, balls or box.

If you get a quality rebuild from a place like redhead they will regrind the worm gear and use a larger size ball bearings, lots of the cheap places just spec them out and reseal them..

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/