Steering box adjustment
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Steering box adjustment
I am trying to adjust the the slack out of my steering box.I can not break the nut that holds the adjuster screw.I have tried wd-40&buster with no luck.I don't want to break it off.Anybody else have this problem?
Thanks
Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
I dont remember having a problem breaking the locknut loose on mine. Maybe try an impact wrench? Be sure you're turning it the right way first, I don't remember if they are reverse threaded or not, I don't think they are. Once you do get it loose, be VERY careful of overtightening the gear, as that will wear it out real quick. I learned that after I tightened mine a little too tight some years ago.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 255
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From: Spokane
I think I had to tap the wrench with a hammer. It is hard to get to. It is not a reverse thread. In case you don't know how to adjust one, I do this.
The nut is a self lock nut so if you turn the screw the nut will turn also. Mark where the screw is currently. A steering box needs some play in it so that it is comfortable to drive. If the screw is too tight then you have to over-correct when you drive. If too loose then you chase the road around. The best setting is to have just a little bit of chasing the road. If the gear box is loose then there are two ways I suggest to adjust.
1) Tighten the screw about 1/8 of a turn at a time. Take it for a drive. If it is loose then tighten more.
2) Set your wheels straight ahead. Back off the adjusting nut while hold the screw so you have some thread to play with. Turn the screw in until it stops. Back the screw out a quarter turn. tighten the nut without turning the screw.
The nut is a self lock nut so if you turn the screw the nut will turn also. Mark where the screw is currently. A steering box needs some play in it so that it is comfortable to drive. If the screw is too tight then you have to over-correct when you drive. If too loose then you chase the road around. The best setting is to have just a little bit of chasing the road. If the gear box is loose then there are two ways I suggest to adjust.
1) Tighten the screw about 1/8 of a turn at a time. Take it for a drive. If it is loose then tighten more.
2) Set your wheels straight ahead. Back off the adjusting nut while hold the screw so you have some thread to play with. Turn the screw in until it stops. Back the screw out a quarter turn. tighten the nut without turning the screw.
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