P/S pump question
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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P/S pump question
On the top of my powersteering pump there is a plate held in by four bolts. In the middle there is a screw with a lock nut. Is this somekind of adjustment or something. I have a lot of play in my steering wheel and don't know where to start.
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 202
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From: Gatlinburg
If you mean, on your powersteering box, then yes. You can loosen the locknut and adjust the screw but, it usually doesn't help much and will proabably make it worse especially if you turn it to far. I forget which way you turn the screw. Check you shop manual or maybe someone will chime in on this one. Like I say, it most likely won't help.
Have you checked your rag joint up near the firewall, that is if it has one. That could be part of your problem. They sell those in the "Help" section at most good autoparts stores. Good Luck!!
Have you checked your rag joint up near the firewall, that is if it has one. That could be part of your problem. They sell those in the "Help" section at most good autoparts stores. Good Luck!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,844
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque
I believe the screw you are referring too is the adjustment for the power steering belt. If you have play in your steering, then I would look at the power steering box. Loosen the lock nut on top, then turn it in (clockwise) until it stops. Then back it out (counter clockwise) 1 or 2 full turns. Take a test drive on a street with little or no traffic (safety first).
Good luck with it...
biz
Good luck with it...
biz
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 104
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From: ATCO, NJ
The power steering pump adjustment is only used for tensioning the belt on the drivers' side of the engine. It will not help take up steering play. The pump and rack are only connected by the high pressure and feedback lines for the power steering fluid. They don't drive the rack, they only assist your movements. Check for joint play on the shaft (grab it and move it side to side with the engine OFF.) There should be less than 7 degrees side to side. Also, check the bolts and bushings on your linkage. Start with the pitman arm (the bent steel arm that connects the steering rack to the drop link.) The drop link is connected to the top of the right knuckle which is also attached to the left with another link. None of these connections should budge. If they do, you have found the problem (or at least part of it!) The rack itself could also be worn and is an easy replacement if you can break the bolts free.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
Adjusting the bolt on top of the steering box should be the very last thing you try. There have been posts here mentining that if done wrong it can damage the steering box.
Before you adjust the box check for any loose connections in the steering linkage. Have someone turn the wheel back and forth and see where any play is. Check the rag joint, pitman arm, drag link, tie rod ends, etc. Make sure your kingpins are free to move and well greased. Check for worn out king pins, worn wheel bearings, bad shocks, and the front end alignment. Any of these could cause the truck to wander which could feel like loose steering. If any of the above are bad, you can adjust the steering box till it falls apart and never see an improvement.
Before you adjust the box check for any loose connections in the steering linkage. Have someone turn the wheel back and forth and see where any play is. Check the rag joint, pitman arm, drag link, tie rod ends, etc. Make sure your kingpins are free to move and well greased. Check for worn out king pins, worn wheel bearings, bad shocks, and the front end alignment. Any of these could cause the truck to wander which could feel like loose steering. If any of the above are bad, you can adjust the steering box till it falls apart and never see an improvement.
