Tighten the play in my steering box

[jeff5347]

Ok driving down the street the play in the wheel has gotten to much to deal with. i checked to see if the tie rods and such have excessive play and although i will be changing them this week due to never having being changed and that there is ever so slight play, it doesnt feel it should warrant the play i have, but better safe than sorry. But the play feels more than what it should be. Can i do something to the steering box to take up some slack. I heard you can tighten some nut on top of the steering box but just not sure how to go about that. Can anyone help?

[68firebird]

I have the same problem with my 68 bird. I too will be upgrading the suspension, but have the same steering wheel play like jeff describes. so whoever answers will hit two birds (well a bird and a camaro, LOL)with one stone.

[CDJr]

Theres a bolt sticking out of the top with a hex-shaped hole in the center. If you loosen the nut on it, I think you can tighten it up using an allen wrench. But you dont want to over-tighten it. To see if its actually the box or just the steering components, you can get someone to sit in the car and wiggle the wheel back and forth and you can watch the box and the rest of the components to see where the slack is coming from.

[MrQuick]

I agree, but if you must adjust do it with the steering wheel off center. I usually go 1/4 turn.

[CDJr]

Why off-center, Vince?

[sinned]

A majority of the shaft wear occurs where you spend the most time; going straight ahead. If you adjust with the shaft in the straight ahead position there is a good chance it will bind when you try to turn towards the lesser worn parts of the box. Just turn the wheel 180* and then adjust.

[jeff5347]

Than Guys. So you just hit 2 birds, (somewhat, hhah) with the advice. Just wondering how do you know when the youve gone just enough or to much. I know my car wont feel like a new car but the play is scary when driving it.

[CDJr]

Oh, thatd make sense, Denny. But I thought it was tightened with someone turning the wheel back and forth as someone else tightened it up. That way youd know when it was about to bind and could back it off a little.

[sinned]

No, tighten the adjustment stud until it lightly bottoms and then back it off 1/2 turn.

[68firebird]

thanks for the info guys. hope this helps jeff and I out.

[jeff5347]

Definately helps Me out. Im gonna try this when i get home tonight. Hopefully it waill make a difference i can feel and then upgrade with the new tie rods and such, ill be able to out handle a lexus, mercedes and any other car that comes my way. hahahahahha i wish.
68 Firebird, let me know if it cures your woes when you do it.

[pontiacbird]

when new the steering box is manufacture more tight at center , if he is adjuster off center he can bend at center . he is an other adjustement at the intake shaft who connect the steering column . the removal of the column and a special tool is needed . however these two adjustement will be approximatives . precise adjutement would necessitate remove box and special tool . if you can , buy a rebuilt box ( I-ROC Z is a good one) or better a new generation box dse , ats ,flaming etc . a good box make a very big improvement ! the rag joint can be a another source of imprecise driving , dont neglige it!

http://pontiacbird.monchar.com/

[David Pozzi]

I allways take up lash with the box centered as the manual says to do. I have experienced boxes that were adjusted too tight, and they stick a bit on-center.

[vanzuuk1]

When can you tell its just time for a new box, as opposed to adjusting?

[pontiacbird]

if you have adjusted the gears and you love the feeling of your box , it is ok .
often the box are overassisted and/or the ratio non appropriate . the replacement you permit to select a better ratio and assistance and realy improve the driving of your car

http://pontiacbird.monchar.com/

[jeff5347]

hey guys,
Me again. did the adjusting of the steering box. I can say that although i ahvent been able (rain) to take it out yet that while sitting it feels tighter than it did before. With the car off it still had some movement. Now with the car off it has movement but not like what it was. Gonna take it out tonight ,maybe so hopefully it should have made a difference. Thanks for all the help.

[pontiacbird]

gives we news when you will roadtest your car !