steering box adjustment
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 435
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From: MASS
steering box adjustment
Im still confused--can some one that actually knows for sure
explain how the box functions and adjustments are made?
I thought by tightening that bolt on the top down I successfully
'tightened' the steering--But now I see otherwise
it was the onset of cold weather that made it tighter
the warmer days or longer I run the truck the steering wheel
has more slack --truck wanders
those real cold days- its feels good and tight- no wander
so- what actually happens when that bolt is moved?
and should I even be touching it?
thanks
Josh
01 f250 4x4
explain how the box functions and adjustments are made?
I thought by tightening that bolt on the top down I successfully
'tightened' the steering--But now I see otherwise
it was the onset of cold weather that made it tighter
the warmer days or longer I run the truck the steering wheel
has more slack --truck wanders
those real cold days- its feels good and tight- no wander
so- what actually happens when that bolt is moved?
and should I even be touching it?
thanks
Josh
01 f250 4x4
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 7
From: colorado
on top of the steering box there should be a bolt with a metal shaft in the center of it with a slot in it. the bolt holds the sloted shaft in place, the shaft is what actually ajusts the gear mesh. so you would losen the bolt the take a large screwdriver and tighten that shaft(clockwise). a couple things you need to be aware of. i was always told when you adjust a steering box the engine should be running(power steering pump running). also dont tighten it alot or you will drive the gears so much into each other that it can damage the box and put to much stress on the pump. all that being said if you have play in the steering wheel it is usally not the steering box, rather other suspension components
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Middle Geogia
I had 84k on mine and about an inch of deadspace in the steering wheel.
I used a 5/8 wrench to loosen the jam nut, then a hex (I am not sure of the size) and tighten the worm gear until snug, don't get on it. You can always do a little each time until you get it where you want it. With your hex wrench holding the setting of the worm gear, tighten the jam nut.
I saw a previous thread that said to take it to a dealer because your steering wheel would be off center, there is no noticeable difference in my steering wheel.
I used a 5/8 wrench to loosen the jam nut, then a hex (I am not sure of the size) and tighten the worm gear until snug, don't get on it. You can always do a little each time until you get it where you want it. With your hex wrench holding the setting of the worm gear, tighten the jam nut.
I saw a previous thread that said to take it to a dealer because your steering wheel would be off center, there is no noticeable difference in my steering wheel.
Last edited by HDMustF250; Feb 19, 2004 at 02:06 PM.
