TOO much play in the steering wheel

[83chevyman]

when i go to steer my 83, i have to turn it like a little bit then after i do that it starts to steer. does anyone know why theres so much play in it?
thanks

[Your41Plague12]

Could be a bad steering box or slop in the rag joint, or even a bad steering column, but typically the bolts that hold the steering box loosen up on the frame (when fluid is leaked on them) and when you try turning the wheel, the whole box actually torques until it catches in the holes in the frame. Then it starts to steer. Park the truck with the wheels straight and check the bolts, I bet they're loose. It's a much more common problem than any of the above that I mentioned.

[jitteryguy]

if all the bolts and stuff are mention'd above are good and the the frame is not crack at the box, there is an adjustment on the out put gear, you gotta loose'n the jam nut then adjust the screw in or out (dont recall which way) till it get's better, then retight'n the jam nut.

[rwhit57]

If it's not any of the above, or could also be, tie rod ends, idler arm, drag link, on the front end. Good chance it's a combination of all of it. Time to see what all is worn out and start fixing it.

[psuedopimp]

i had the same problem...still not like a new truck, but alot better. i replaced the gear box, tie rod ends, ball joints, sway bar bushings, center link, pretty much everything....tightend it up alot and made it ride a lot better also. i was told not to adjust the nut ontop because it could cause more damage than good. i guess if you are going to replace the box anyway it is worth a shot.

[85gmcguy]

The "old school" way I was taught to adjust steering boxes was to turn the wheel all the way to lock (either direction should work, we typically used left), loosen the jam nut, turn the center screw in until snug, back off until free, tighten jam nut. Return wheel to center and check for play. Worked pretty good on the old days.

[83chevyman]

ill try most of these thank you all

[qksilver]

the adjustment was the way I was taught also........
Steve

[80SPORT]

The correct procedure is to set the end play(thrust bearing preload) first and then the sector lash(the screw locked by the nut on top)....as per the service manual.

A steering box should only be adjusted after reading the factory manual ....it is a safety item.

Steering boxes are designed with a high point in the center and moving the lash screw too much down by adjusting it off center can cause binding and wander as the gear tries to push off center.

[sjreno]

This thread was very helpful to me also, especially about the adjustment. I just did new upper/lower ball joints; tie rod ends and lowering kit and it tightened it up a little, but ill have to try this adjustment. Thanks!!