Steering Box Adjustment
#1
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Steering Box Adjustment
OK...I've done a lot of searching and a lot of reading (and yes, I read the MazSpeed article) and I have an idea what needs to be done, but why can't I find ANY pictures of this procedure? It's so much easier to do these things the first time when there are pictures to follow. Does anyone know where there are pictures of the steering box adjustment procedure? If not, I'll take a bunch as I stumble my way through it.
Rich
Rich
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Really, its easy, even without pictures. there's only 6 things that move.
1. the locking ring on the column where it enters the box
2. the shaft where it enters the box
3. the freeplay adjuster and 4.locking nut
5. the preload adjuster and 6. the locking ring.
Here's abreviated instructions that may make it easier to understand.
Note: I cheated and didn't disconnect my pitman arm, so this is my version.
1. adjust the column where it enters the box until there is a tiny bit of resistance.
2. loosen freeplay locknut and back off the adjustment a little
3. loosen preload locking ring with a huge socket or cold chisel
4. put a punch in one of the holes in the preload adjuster
5. tighten the preload by tapping the punch until there is a little resistance
6. wiggle steering wheel back and forth while tightening freeplay with screwdriver until there is no more.
7. tighten all locking rings/bolts
This worked perfect for me - from an inch play to 0. Only negative was I had to tighten the preload so much to get ALL the play out that the wheel doesn't come back completely to centre by itself. This will wear out the steering gear faster, but I wanted "0" play.
Oh, forgot, use vice grips to pull the stupid round plug off the freeplay adjuster.
1. the locking ring on the column where it enters the box
2. the shaft where it enters the box
3. the freeplay adjuster and 4.locking nut
5. the preload adjuster and 6. the locking ring.
Here's abreviated instructions that may make it easier to understand.
Note: I cheated and didn't disconnect my pitman arm, so this is my version.
1. adjust the column where it enters the box until there is a tiny bit of resistance.
2. loosen freeplay locknut and back off the adjustment a little
3. loosen preload locking ring with a huge socket or cold chisel
4. put a punch in one of the holes in the preload adjuster
5. tighten the preload by tapping the punch until there is a little resistance
6. wiggle steering wheel back and forth while tightening freeplay with screwdriver until there is no more.
7. tighten all locking rings/bolts
This worked perfect for me - from an inch play to 0. Only negative was I had to tighten the preload so much to get ALL the play out that the wheel doesn't come back completely to centre by itself. This will wear out the steering gear faster, but I wanted "0" play.
Oh, forgot, use vice grips to pull the stupid round plug off the freeplay adjuster.
#5
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Sorry I can't offer any pictures, but check my posting in this https://www.rx7club.com//showthread....grind+steering thread for some fairly clear instructions on what worked for me. There are only two adjustments made and it worked like a charm. Hope this helps.
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I did this just to try it out, turned the adjuster only about 1/8th turn and got some improvement, but haven't gone back to try any more.
My biggest concerns are:
1) Seems to be some confusion over whether to turn the adjuster clockwise or counter-clockwise--not like it's either one or the other, but that it's different for each car. On mine, I turned it clockwise, which seems like the logical way to go.
2) My mechanic used to adjust the box on my '81 all the time, and it never seemed to make a lot of difference.
3) I've heard you can over-adjust, which makes the box wear out even faster.
My biggest concerns are:
1) Seems to be some confusion over whether to turn the adjuster clockwise or counter-clockwise--not like it's either one or the other, but that it's different for each car. On mine, I turned it clockwise, which seems like the logical way to go.
2) My mechanic used to adjust the box on my '81 all the time, and it never seemed to make a lot of difference.
3) I've heard you can over-adjust, which makes the box wear out even faster.
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I tried to do this twice now and the socket I had didnt fit right.. you really need to grind it down flat.
I think I am going to figure out how to mount a sr5 toyota rear steer rack in there... might be easier. lol
I think I am going to figure out how to mount a sr5 toyota rear steer rack in there... might be easier. lol
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#8
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3) I've heard you can over-adjust, which makes the box wear out even faster.
#9
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If you don't adjust it enough, then obviously it will still have some play in it. But, if you tighten it too much then you will run into Whanrow's problem (won't return to center). When I did this, I got lucky and nailed it on the first try. However, you will most likely have to try it a few times to get it right. Adjusting it so tight that it won't return to center is not a good thing, and will destroy your steering box in short order. Whanrow, you might want to back it off just a bit (you should be able to do this without sacrificing the "no play" feeling).
#10
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Originally Posted by jayroc
I tried to do this twice now and the socket I had didnt fit right.. you really need to grind it down flat.
I think I am going to figure out how to mount a sr5 toyota rear steer rack in there... might be easier. lol
I think I am going to figure out how to mount a sr5 toyota rear steer rack in there... might be easier. lol
#11
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Originally Posted by nickj
I did this just to try it out, turned the adjuster only about 1/8th turn and got some improvement, but haven't gone back to try any more.
My biggest concerns are:
1) Seems to be some confusion over whether to turn the adjuster clockwise or counter-clockwise--not like it's either one or the other, but that it's different for each car. On mine, I turned it clockwise, which seems like the logical way to go.
My biggest concerns are:
1) Seems to be some confusion over whether to turn the adjuster clockwise or counter-clockwise--not like it's either one or the other, but that it's different for each car. On mine, I turned it clockwise, which seems like the logical way to go.
#12
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Originally Posted by Kentetsu
I will check the size of the socket that I used when I get home. I ground the bevel off of mine to ensure good contact with the large nut. That nut is so thin, that if you don't grind the socket down you stand a good chance of stripping it. The socket that I used was a very tight fit. I actually hammered it onto the nut (which caused no damage to the nut) and I think that was a good thing because it takes a lot of force to break it free. I'll post back when I have that socket size.
Rich
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Originally Posted by Kentetsu
Whanrow, you might want to back it off just a bit (you should be able to do this without sacrificing the "no play" feeling).
As far as the socket goes, I just used a blunt cold chisel on the side of the nut. It worked perfectly, loosened after only a couple of hits, and barely left a mark on the nut.
#15
I used a 1 5/8" socket BUT it was a 6 point socket. This worked very well and might be better than a 1 9/16" 12 point socket since it is less likely to slip. No need to grind the bevel off the socket either.
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