Play in the wheel; loose steering on '71 Sierra

[71sierragrande]

Ive got lots of play in the steering, which I thought might be worn pittman/idler arms. A guy told me it's just an adjustment in the steering box. Is he right? If so, what do I have to adjust? I've never done it before. Thanks

[cdowns]

adjusting a box is chancy at best should b a last resort// pitman idler tierod ends balljoints ragjoint aframe bushings should all b checked first

[71sierragrande]

Thanks, I thought so. Do you know if those aftermarket steering stabilizer kits (LMC) make any improvement at all?

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by 71sierragrande

Ive got lots of play in the steering, which I thought might be worn pittman/idler arms. A guy told me it's just an adjustment in the steering box. Is he right? If so, what do I have to adjust? I've never done it before. Thanks

Disclamer: If you were to do the following while the steering wheel is straight then the steering can and probably will bind when turning due to the wear on the gears, got it? then read on.



If you want to check the steering box then pop the hood and look down at the top of it and you'll see an allen type set screw with a loc nut ( don't recall the sizes) Now due to the wear which is normal on a steering gear turn the steerring wheel all the way to one side then loosen the loc nut and see if you can turn that allen screw down a little to lightly contact the steering gear inside, then lock the loc nut, when the loc nut is tight the allen should bairly make any contact at all. Now turn it to the other side and make sure it does not feel like it has gotten sticky when at a full turn to ether side. thats all there is to it and it only takes a few minutes and cost nothing. I agree tho that more gains will be had by checking and or replacing other steering components

[Allensracing]

the steering box adjuster is commonly obscured with caked on grime if its a daily driver.
you might have to chip away at the buildup to find it.

[Hubscrub]

Originally Posted by cdowns

adjusting a box is chancy at best should b a last resort// pitman idler tierod ends balljoints ragjoint aframe bushings should all b checked first

x2

[bignbad]

the box might be wornout.I had the same issue with mine the box was worn.I replaced it.
easy swap about an hour if i recall

[JJorgensen52]

There are two adjustments; the one mentioned above and then there is also a preload on the shaft gear itself, which requires a special spanner. Not a good thing to monkey with - I had a box that was adjusted (by the factory - new AGR performance box) incorrectly fail and lock up hard left on me - not good!

[raycow]

If you are going to play with the adjuster on the steering gearbox, it MUST be done with the box at the exact center of travel. That's where the "high" spot is on the gear. If you do it with the box turned to either side you can damage the gear when you turn it back to center. Trust me on this.

Ray

[Stocker]

Another warning on adjusting the box.... try very small adjustments, and if you go just a bit too far, it will not return to center without help. Get it right and you'll just buy a little time -- the box will need to be replaced soon anyway.

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by raycow

If you are going to play with the adjuster on the steering gearbox, it MUST be done with the box at the exact center of travel. That's where the "high" spot is on the gear. If you do it with the box turned to either side you can damage the gear when you turn it back to center. Trust me on this.

Ray

Raycow, i'm not trying to give bad advice, but every time i have adjusted the box in the middle it would bind up when at a full turn, what i was taught is the gears recive the most wear where they are used most thus more slop in the steering, meaning in the center poisition going straight down the road or close to it for turning have more wear than at full turn.

Can you explaine to me more about this high spot? Thanks.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by bignbad

the box might be wornout.I had the same issue with mine the box was worn.I replaced it.
easy swap about an hour if i recall

Here is your answer. I completely rebuilt my front end replacing everything and got new tires and an alignment. Still had slop. Replaced the steering box, now it is like a NEW truck. 40 yr old boxes are shot, do yourself a favor and replace it. Brakes and steering are the 2 most important things on any vehicle.

[71sierragrande]

Thanks for all the input fellas, lots of great info. I probably will just order a new box. U guys are right, it will need to be replaced soon anyway and might as well get it out of the way.

[FL71C10]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Here is your answer. I completely rebuilt my front end replacing everything and got new tires and an alignment. Still had slop. Replaced the steering box, now it is like a NEW truck. 40 yr old boxes are shot, do yourself a favor and replace it. Brakes and steering are the 2 most important things on any vehicle.

Where did you get the box, and what kind did you get?

[dfwright]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Here is your answer. I completely rebuilt my front end replacing everything and got new tires and an alignment. Still had slop. Replaced the steering box, now it is like a NEW truck. 40 yr old boxes are shot, do yourself a favor and replace it. Brakes and steering are the 2 most important things on any vehicle.

I've been following your build, and I remember you originally replaced some seals on the original power steering unit. I just looked at your build again and didn't see reference to the new PS box. What did you end up buying?

I have been planning to rebuild mine, but now I'm wondering....

[derekb]

Just bumping it back up as I am looking into the same issue with mine and I'd like to know where you got the new box from.

[special-K]

Adding that steering stabilizer from LMC might help a truck with all wear parts in tip=top shape. it would be a band aid on anything else. The solution is to replace worn steering parts. Most cost less than the steering stabilizer.