Whats normal play? STEERING!
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Walnut Creek, CA
How do you fit a screwdriver into the screw on the side of the box. I took the whole plate off and put it back on several times until there was very little play in the pitman arm. I never could get enough torque on a short handled svrewdriver to turn that adjustment screw. I think I made all the adjustments correctly according to the shop manual very little play etc. while up on jack stands but when I put the wheels back on and lowered her back on the ground it's near on impossible to turn the steering wheel and get the tires to move. Is that just because it's not power steering? Should it steer more easily when and if it ever moves.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Question #1: I agree that it can be hard to turn that screw with a short screwdriver. I "made" a short screwdriver out of a slotted hex screwdriver bit (the kind used by the drywall guys, only straight instead of Phillips). Clamp the bit in the vise grips and you have a handy right-angle screwdriver that produces lots of torque. They also make right-angle screwdrivers.
Question #2: You are encountering what's called "armstrong" steering. It is normal - especially if you have radials or any tire with a wide footprint. Best way to check if your steering is better is at a medium speed (for safety) on a straight road.
Sounds like everything is fine from what you said.
Question #2: You are encountering what's called "armstrong" steering. It is normal - especially if you have radials or any tire with a wide footprint. Best way to check if your steering is better is at a medium speed (for safety) on a straight road.
Sounds like everything is fine from what you said.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I needed a short straight bladed screwdriver to adjust our racing shocks without burning my hand on the exhaust pipe that was easy to turn and count rotation with gloves on. I put one of those bits George used in a universal replacement faucet handle (one of the 'X" shaped chromed ones) I found in the plumbing dept at HD, used JB weld to secure it. Works GREAT!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
I went to Sears tool department. They have a straight head or Phillips head screw driver sockets in various sizes. Just snap them on your 3/8" ratchet and you got a great angled screw driver with plenty of torque.
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