Can you adjust the play in the steering box?

Can you adjust the play in the steering box?

By adjusting this just a tiny bit, you can adjust the play in your power steering gear box. But a little goes a long way so make sure you do very small increments and then test drive to check how your steering was affected.

Where is the worm gear in the steering box?

The steering gear box contains a worm gear that takes up the slack in the steering play. A small screw and lock nut sit on top of the gear box called the “worm gear” adjustment screw. Select the proper wrench to loosen the lock nut. Only loosen it enough so that it remains slightly snug.

What causes play in the steering wheel and steering linkage?

Any looseness in the steering box will cause play in the steering wheel and steering linkage. Small amounts of excessive play in the box will cause larger movements elsewhere.

Which is the first adjustment on the steering gear box?

The first adjustment is the input shaft/worm gear thrust bearing preload. The term input shaft and worm shaft indicate the same part, just different names. The second adjustment is the sector lash adjustment.

Any looseness in the steering box will cause play in the steering wheel and steering linkage. Small amounts of excessive play in the box will cause larger movements elsewhere.

The steering gear box contains a worm gear that takes up the slack in the steering play. A small screw and lock nut sit on top of the gear box called the “worm gear” adjustment screw. Select the proper wrench to loosen the lock nut. Only loosen it enough so that it remains slightly snug.

What does it mean when your steering wheel is slack?

Many vehicle owners believe that excess steering wheel slack indicates a problem with the steering pump, steering column, or rack and pinion housing. Not so. Adjusting the steering box can be easily done with a few tools to bring the power steering play back into acceptable limits.

How is the mesh load of a steering box determined?

The mesh load is determined by turning the steering box through its full travel and measuring the increased drag in the center of travel. The most common problem and complaint about steering boxes is the excessive amount of play in the steering wheel.