Hi All,

I'm adjust my steering box, manual '83 with 36K miles, box still in the car. I'm following the excellent combined instructions of Bob RX7
https://web.archive.org/web/20010714...eeringgear.htm

and forum member Tim Wilbers
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...7-gsl-1114116/


The broadstrokes are to drop the centerlink and 1. Adjust worm gear preload, 2. Adjust the sector preload, and 3. Adjust the ball-nut lash.

I am having a hell of a time trying at step 1 trying to loosen the *&%# giant lock ring and therefore can't do the worm gear preload. So my (perhaps obvious) question:

If I let the preload on the worm gear stay as it is and assuming I properly adjust the sector shaft preload and lash, will normal use after that damage the box?

My gut says that less slop in one axis is better than slop in both.

Thanks so much!

 

Here's an excellent illustration of the back lash adjustment between the ball-nut and the sector shaft for a manual steering box (not ours, but you get the point).


I had the completely misguided impression that the sector shaft screw was somehow an adjustment for the worm gear to ball nut interface, i.e. how the recirculating ***** interface with the races in the worm gear and travelling ball nut.
Nope!
It's the relative height of the sector shaft's teeth riding in the ball nut's teeth and how much those somewhat angled surfaces interface. It even varies a bit depending on the "sector" where they interface (tighter with the steering on center).

Damn, design engineers are clever!

 

I'd like to give a real world hands on response in depth to this subject but here in this thread or Steering options thread where you also posted?

 

Excellent, thank you!

Right here works for me. But I certainly would subscribe to a standalone thread by you...a "GSLSEforme's Treatise on Manual Boxes" would be welcome.

 

the factory tool is the same as for the transmission, its a 3 foot long socket...

i adjusted mine on the bench, and then when it was in the car effort was super high and it had tons of play, so i ended up screwing with it in the car, and i got it to be really nice. low effort, not much play. no magic, i just played with it until it worked, ymmv

 

Good info, thanks j9!