1992 Ford F150 4X4 XLT 302 (Standard Cab) Truck. The steering wheel has about 1/8 of a turn play. I was thinking about making the adjustment with the screw and lock nut on top of the box. I found that the screw is quite rusted up, so I put some penitrating oil on it to loosen it up. The steering linkage seems to be tight. I know little to nothing about making the adjustment. If removed the screw from the box (if that is possible) would I get into any trouble? If anyone out there, has some working experience with this problem, I would appreciate some advice. I don't want to learn the hard way on this one. Bill

 

I dont think that's right....

Like you I once adjusted the steering there, But I'm not sure if that's where ya get the play out..

I posted on the Ford Ranger board once and was told that there is nothing ya can do about it short of replacing the gear box...

 

You can not remove the screw without breaking it.

In-Vehicle Adjustment

Adjust total on center load to eliminate excessive lash between the sector and rack teeth as follows. See meshload specifications below for checking and setting values. This is the only adjustment required.

1. Disconnect the steering gear sector shaft arm (3590) from the steering gear sector shaft (3575) using Pitman Arm Puller T64P-3590-F.

2. Disconnect the power steering return hose (3A713) at the power steering pump inlet and cap the reservoir return line pipe.

3. Place the end of the power steering return hose in a clean container and turn the steering wheel (3600) from stop to stop several times to discharge the fluid from the steering gear (3504). Discard the fluid.

4. Turn the steering wheel to 45 degrees from the right stop.

5. Remove the steering wheel hub cover. Attach a pound-inch torque wrench to the steering wheel nut and determine the torque required to rotate the shaft slowly approximately one-eighth turn toward center from the 45 degree position.

6. Turn the steering gear back to center and determine the torque required to rotate the steering gear sector shaft back and forth across the center position (±90°). Refer to the following chart for checking and resetting specifications. If reset is required, loosen the adjuster locknut and turn the sector shaft adjuster screw until the reading is the specified value greater than the torque at 45 degrees from the stop. Hold the sector shaft screw in place, and tighten the locknut.

MESHLOAD CHECKING AND SETTING
CHECKING:

Reset if meshload measured while rocking power steering gear input shaft and control over center is less than 0.8 N-m (7 lb-in) greater than the torque 45 deg from the right stop.

RESET:
Set torque measured rocking across center to a value 1.13-1.6 N-m (10-14 lb-in) greater than that measured 45 deg from the right stop.

7. Recheck torque readings and reinstall the steering gear sector shaft arm and steering wheel hub cover.

8. CAUTION: Do not pry against the reservoir to obtain proper belt load. Pressure will deform the reservoir and cause it to leak.

Connect the power steering return hose to the power steering oil reservoir (3A697) and fill the power steering oil reservoir to specifications listed in «Section 11-00». Adjust belt tension, if necessary.

 

More than likely the play is in the steering linkage.If not then its the box and will have to be replaced to fix the problem.The screw adjustment is for the fluid flow, The more you turn it out the more fluid flows and the steering gets easier.As you turn it in the flow gets restricted and the steering gets harder.It makes a little difference either way but wont help steering play.I always adjust mine when I get a new ford or box just for comfort.

 

Not sure who told you this but the screw adjustment has nothing to do with the fluid flow.

 

I could be wrong but the local ford dealer told me that and it seems to have that efect for me....



I dunno.

 

The screw does not affect the flow.If you look on a manual steering box it has the same adjustment.The gears in the steering box are made a little looser in the middle or straight ahead position and tighter towards the ends when you turn the wheel either way.The trouble is the majority of driving is done with the steering straight ahead or close to it so this is where all of the wear is on the gears.When you tighten up that screw to compensate for the wear in the middle it usually makes it too tight on the ends of the gears where there is hardly any wear.This gives you a tight turning steering box that usually feels worse than it did to begin with.I wouldn't mess with it unless you follow the instructions on how to adjust it as posted above.

 

This website is great! Learn something new everytime. Thanks

 

Thanks! I appreciate the help. This is what I needed. Bill