Re: '93, 2.3L,2wd, s-cab

I replaced my steering box with a rebuilt unit about two weeks ago. It's waaaay better now, but still has a tiny bit of free play right in the center of the steering wheel travel. It's not much, but enough to be annoying and cause me to wander about the lane a bit on the highway.

It sure seems to be in the steering box - with the engine running, I watched as the steering wheel was moved back and forth in the "free play area". The steering shaft had no slop in it, the coupling wasn't sloppy either. But no corresponding movement at the output of the steering box where the pitman arm attaches.

Is it simply a matter of tweaking the 'gib' screw on the box, or did I get a bad replacement steering box? Is this normal with a new or rebuilt box?

Hate to think I have to pull it out again... that was a rough job...

 

Typically they come pre-adjusted, but every now and again I run into one that is a little loose... or a little tight... QC at the rebuilder may not be all that great. It's usually easier to just adjust it than worrying about replacing it again and warrantying it and all that...

If you do choose to adjust it... start with a 1/2 turn.. then drive it.. if it's still too loose go at 1/4 turn increments, just be sure you don't OVERTIGHTEN it you can damage (or severaly shorten the lifespan) of the gearbox. If it gets to the point to where the steering is touchy, or does not want to return to center, then you've got it too tight.

Good luck!

 

Well, it's not a lot of play, so this morning I just went ahead and tweaked it about 1/4 turn. Haven't really had a chance to drive it much since, hopefully that will be the end of it.

I just didn't know what to expect of a rebuilt steering box... Guess it's never safe to assume much of anything...

Thanks for the info!