Has anyone adjusted the steering gear?

mds47588 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:22 AM

My truck has nary any freeplay after the balljoints and tie rod ends have been replaced, but there is still some considerable slop "on center" and the only thing left is the steerng gear. Of course I can get a new one, but I see where there's an adjustment (and a procedure in my Haynes manual), and before I go this route I'm curious if anyone else has done it and if so, have you been able to tell a difference.

roadrash63 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 09:03 AM

yes i have...
but if you tighten it too much it over reacts and you need to back it off a turn...
i had better result replacing the rag joint!

roadrash63 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 09:06 AM

hey which 4 sp od you got and how do you like it ?

ctubutis · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 09:35 AM

I did this as a teenager to my Mustang and ended up having a professional readjust it to
cure the problems caused by my screwing with it. Because of that experience - even
though I was a snot-nosed teenager at the time - I don't recommend messing with it.

rlester · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 10:54 AM

I had the same symptoms as you. Everything was tight, but there was slop in the middle. Quite noticeable on the highway.

I have also heard the warnings over the years but if you are conservative in your adjustments, and take a test drive and make appropriate adjustments, you will be ok.

On mine, I first tightened it a half turn. This was too much as the steering was a little tight (took a little more effort than usual) and would not re-center itself very well. I backed it off a little and in the end it has about a third of a turn from the original setting and its perfect. No more wandering on the highway.

Ryan.

okiepc1 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:31 AM

I have done this and it will help the problem, but before you start, mark the original position of the nut & the adjuster so you have a reference point, then you can always return to that setting & be sure to note the direction you turn

okiepc1

Ken Blythen · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 03:12 PM

I did mine soon after I bought it - my kingpins & rod ends were good too, but it still wandered badly - I couldn't take my eyes off the road for more than a couple of seconds, it made driving hard work.
Adjusting the steering gear made a dramatic improvement, but following that procedure is important to avoid damage from over tightening.

mds47588 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 06:00 PM

Thanx to all that replied. Did just this today and now it drives straight and true.