Steering Gearbox Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Imacarguytoo · 10-12-2007, 07:38 PM

How do i tighten up the slack in my steering wheel. I know theres a screw with a nut on the gearbox. How much is too much to tighten?

1968SWBBigBlock · 10-12-2007, 08:11 PM

Take it to a pro, if you misadjust this the steering box can lock up on you, normally while you are driving/turning

PanelDeland · 10-12-2007, 08:14 PM

I tightened mine by turning the screw(hex head) a 1/4 turn at a time.I then turned the wheel lock to lock and back to center,Another 1/4 turn and repeat.I put about 1 1/2 half turns on it.
As a word of warning,I have been advised that the steering box may lock up if it is tightened this way.I haven't ever had it happen to me and I have done this to about 3 trucks over the years.At best I think it should be a temporary fix to get you to the point in the budget where you can replace it.Don't take chances on steering or brakes.

GlennBrittain · 10-13-2007, 12:37 AM

I have raised the front end utill both wheel are off the ground, The slowly tighen down the nut untill side to side play has been adjusted out, the tighten the lock nut down. I have a copy the the proper way to perform this task, but it requires an inch pound torque wrenc.

10-12-2007, 07:38 PM	#1
Imacarguytoo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 306	Steering Gearbox Question How do i tighten up the slack in my steering wheel. I know theres a screw with a nut on the gearbox. How much is too much to tighten? __________________ '67 C20 Lwb 350 4-Speed '01 Chrysler Concorde LXI (wifes ride) '91 Gmc Suburban 3/4 2wd 454 Tbi '51 Jeep Cj3a "Willys" 350 V8

10-12-2007, 08:11 PM	#2
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Steering Gearbox Question Take it to a pro, if you misadjust this the steering box can lock up on you, normally while you are driving/turning __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

10-12-2007, 08:14 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Steering Gearbox Question I tightened mine by turning the screw(hex head) a 1/4 turn at a time.I then turned the wheel lock to lock and back to center,Another 1/4 turn and repeat.I put about 1 1/2 half turns on it. As a word of warning,I have been advised that the steering box may lock up if it is tightened this way.I haven't ever had it happen to me and I have done this to about 3 trucks over the years.At best I think it should be a temporary fix to get you to the point in the budget where you can replace it.Don't take chances on steering or brakes. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-13-2007, 12:37 AM	#4
GlennBrittain Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Panola County Texas Posts: 401	Re: Steering Gearbox Question I have raised the front end utill both wheel are off the ground, The slowly tighen down the nut untill side to side play has been adjusted out, the tighten the lock nut down. I have a copy the the proper way to perform this task, but it requires an inch pound torque wrenc.



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