P/S gear backlash adjustment

[NZSquare]

Hi all,
I got an 82 C10 with power steering, and am wondering if I can adjust the backlash on the gear using the nut and internal hex head stud on the top of the steering box.
I seem to have alot of slop in there, maybe 60 - 70 degrees (with wngine off and steering unlocked before anyone asks).

Any advice would be appreciated, my Chilton manual says it can only be done off the vehicle

thanks

[Keith Seymore]

Sort of -

There are two settings on the gear: the "preload" and the "overcenter" torque.

Preload is set by the big nut on the end (near where the rag joint attaches) and the overcenter is set by the setscrew/jam nut on the top. Preload gives the gear a tighter feel and overcenter torque is what affects the "on center" feel (that is, the ability of the vehicle to go straight down the road).

To do it right, you would need to remove the gear and do the preload first and then the overcenter.

I apologize but I don't remember the torque specificiations off the top of my head (measured by rotating the steering input shaft with an inch pound torque wrench). Seems like it was 8 - 10 in lbs for preload and 20 in lbs for overcenter.

K

[NZSquare]

Thanks for the reply,
the vehicle tracks in a straight line pretty well so I might just leave it until Im in there proper to pull the gear out.

Thanks again

[ElGracho]

I've never adjusted one of these boxes myself. I do have a GM unit repair manual that details the process.

I would warn anyone about doing it just by feel. I've read and heard many stories about someone making an adjustment and having their steering lock up mid-turn while driving within a couple days...