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

Ackattack · 01-09-2003, 12:16 PM

I replaced my original power steering gearbox with a different one (the original was leaking). The new one is extremely loose, as in I can turn the wheels with my pinky at an idle. When you're going down the road, it's kinda annoying cause it will drift with just the slightest correction.

Is there any way to tighten it up so it takes a little more effort to turn the wheels (i know most people probably have the opposite problem)

I'm not sure what the new gearbox is off of, I just told the guy at the salvage yard what I needed, and went and picked it up.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 01-09-2003, 05:07 PM

It might be worth adjusting the box. With the wheels straight,
loosen the lock nut on top and tighten the socket head stud.
Don't overtighten or you will cause yourself another problem.

The adjustment is for removing play, but you can put a small drag on it if you are careful with the adjustment. You will want to "rock"
the steering while adjusting it to help you determine where you are. Tighten until you feel a slight drag and back off until it just starts to feel free. Try the truck out after you adjust it to see if it helps or not.

Jim

Pont · 01-09-2003, 09:34 PM

I would imagine with all the cheap aftermarket steering stabilzers out there, you could mount somekind of universal stabilzer for your steering. This should help to add some resistance and firm-up your steering. In my case (with such wide tires up front) I run dual stabilzers and it firms it up alot. Still better than having the truck wonder on grooved pavement. I haven't seen it done but I can't imagine why this could be done for a 2wd as well as 4wd. Just a thought.............

chevy2racr · 01-09-2003, 11:56 PM

pont, wheres ur front drive shaft?

Johns70 · 01-10-2003, 01:31 AM

sounds like you got a quick ratio steering box, either another box if you think its to quick or easy, or you can try slowing down the power steering pump i think a larger pulley will slow it down, sombody correct if i,m wrong. hope this answers your question.

Longhorn Man · 01-10-2003, 02:45 AM

Don't bother trying to slow down the pump. It is regulated with a pressure valve, not by RPM.

Pont · 01-10-2003, 12:03 PM

Chevy2racr, way to much angle on my front driveshaft. I'm slowly in the process of building a high pinion Dana 44 to replace the one that's in the pic. I'll post pics of the HP Dana installed when I finish it.

Frank_Zeller · 01-10-2003, 12:20 PM

You can play with the pressure regulating spring. Its behind the high pressure hose outlet at the pump. The whole assemble un screws from the pump body. You can replace the spring or whole assemble with one from a newer truck or car. Around 1981 GM changed to o-ring type high pressure fittings.

DennyB · 01-10-2003, 12:40 PM

The Steering gear they gave you is worn out!
Take it back for another one or put a new seal in your old one if you can.

Denny

*Shane* · 01-10-2003, 01:13 PM

i agree with DennyB ... the recirculating ball/worm screw shaft sounds worn. No sense in trying to rebuild, exchange for another one .... much easier.

Ackattack · 01-10-2003, 04:59 PM

Thanks for all of the input. I don't think that the gears are worn out, cause there isn't really a lot of play (as in move the steering wheel back and forth and the wheels don't move).

I will check the pressure regulator spring and may try adjusting the lock nut thing.

DennyB · 01-10-2003, 06:12 PM

Explain what you mean by

Quote:

The new one is extremely loose

Does it have play, or is it just easy to turn.
When you make a steering correction, do you have to slightly turn the other way to " catch it"?

Ackattack · 01-10-2003, 11:00 PM

just easy to turn

Johns70 · 01-10-2003, 11:54 PM

like i said there is different gear ratio boxes, you might try taking it back to the wrecking yard and exchange it for a slower one.

01-09-2003, 12:16 PM	#1
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Power Steering I replaced my original power steering gearbox with a different one (the original was leaking). The new one is extremely loose, as in I can turn the wheels with my pinky at an idle. When you're going down the road, it's kinda annoying cause it will drift with just the slightest correction. Is there any way to tighten it up so it takes a little more effort to turn the wheels (i know most people probably have the opposite problem) I'm not sure what the new gearbox is off of, I just told the guy at the salvage yard what I needed, and went and picked it up. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

01-09-2003, 09:34 PM	#3
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	I would imagine with all the cheap aftermarket steering stabilzers out there, you could mount somekind of universal stabilzer for your steering. This should help to add some resistance and firm-up your steering. In my case (with such wide tires up front) I run dual stabilzers and it firms it up alot. Still better than having the truck wonder on grooved pavement. I haven't seen it done but I can't imagine why this could be done for a 2wd as well as 4wd. Just a thought............. Attached Images __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

01-09-2003, 11:56 PM	#4
chevy2racr So Many Ideas, So Little Money Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 1,610	pont, wheres ur front drive shaft? __________________ 72 Blazer 3/4 ton running gear 4.10s NP205/TH350 350 4in lift half doors 71 C10 with 454 99 S-10 5.1L SBC 700R4 09 Malibu Marshalltown, Iowa

01-10-2003, 01:31 AM	#5
Johns70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Spring Creek, nevada. U.S.A. Posts: 456	sounds like you got a quick ratio steering box, either another box if you think its to quick or easy, or you can try slowing down the power steering pump i think a larger pulley will slow it down, sombody correct if i,m wrong. hope this answers your question. __________________ 69 chevy short wide box project 70 GMC jimmy project

01-10-2003, 12:03 PM	#7
Pont I need another Barley Pop Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,629	Chevy2racr, way to much angle on my front driveshaft. I'm slowly in the process of building a high pinion Dana 44 to replace the one that's in the pic. I'll post pics of the HP Dana installed when I finish it. __________________ 67 Short Fleet 4x4 04 Honda CRF450R 89 Toyota 4-Runner 34 Ford 2 door sedan - Long term project ---------------------------------------------- There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"

01-09-2003, 05:07 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	It might be worth adjusting the box. With the wheels straight, loosen the lock nut on top and tighten the socket head stud. Don't overtighten or you will cause yourself another problem. The adjustment is for removing play, but you can put a small drag on it if you are careful with the adjustment. You will want to "rock" the steering while adjusting it to help you determine where you are. Tighten until you feel a slight drag and back off until it just starts to feel free. Try the truck out after you adjust it to see if it helps or not. Jim

01-10-2003, 02:45 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Don't bother trying to slow down the pump. It is regulated with a pressure valve, not by RPM.

01-10-2003, 12:20 PM	#8
Frank_Zeller Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 796	You can play with the pressure regulating spring. Its behind the high pressure hose outlet at the pump. The whole assemble un screws from the pump body. You can replace the spring or whole assemble with one from a newer truck or car. Around 1981 GM changed to o-ring type high pressure fittings. __________________ 69 SWB C/10 5-6 drop 700R4 69 Firebird Convert 455 4 spd 70 Torino GT Convert Austin-Texas

01-10-2003, 12:40 PM	#9
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	The Steering gear they gave you is worn out! Take it back for another one or put a new seal in your old one if you can. Denny __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

01-10-2003, 01:13 PM	#10
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	i agree with DennyB ... the recirculating ball/worm screw shaft sounds worn. No sense in trying to rebuild, exchange for another one .... much easier.

01-10-2003, 04:59 PM	#11
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Thanks for all of the input. I don't think that the gears are worn out, cause there isn't really a lot of play (as in move the steering wheel back and forth and the wheels don't move). I will check the pressure regulator spring and may try adjusting the lock nut thing. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

01-10-2003, 11:00 PM	#13
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	just easy to turn __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

01-10-2003, 11:54 PM	#14
Johns70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Spring Creek, nevada. U.S.A. Posts: 456	like i said there is different gear ratio boxes, you might try taking it back to the wrecking yard and exchange it for a slower one. __________________ 69 chevy short wide box project 70 GMC jimmy project



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