Hi ,

I have to restore my power steering. I have already bought the control valve because mine is leaking lot of oil. But there's still the problem of the play at steering wheel. I have checked better today and it seems to me that the problem is at the pitman arm-steering box.
I will understand which of the 2 only when I'll take my car at the shop. My problem , as usual , is that I have to wait at least 2 weeks to have spare parts from the US ( your life is easier than mine).
In your experience , if there's a play at pitman arm-box, which is usually the problem?the pitman arm to steering box shaft connection? Or the gearsinside the steering box?
If gears are worn-loose ( making the play) , is the replacement the only solution? or there's a way to fix-tight them? I have checked the prices of steering box replacement parts at Eckler'sand the high price makes me not very happy

thanks

 

Aldo, check this site out . The prices are a little better than Eklers. good luck http://bairs.com/search.asp

 

aldous, if you do have looseness in the steering gear(box) in most cases you can adjust the sector shaft to tighten it up, just take it a little at a time as it is easy to over-tighten and will bind the gears. Check the complete steering system before you make adjustments to the gear, replace any joints and/or bushings that are sloppy.

 

To check for play in the steering box go under the car and look at the shaft while you have a helper turn the steering wheel left and right, if the shaft moves up and down before it goes left or right then you have too much play.
To remove the play go to the top of the steering box and mark the position of the screw in the center nut, loosen the nut and turn the screw 1/4 turn clockwise. Then check the play again, don't go more than 1/4 turn each time. Hope this helps, PG.

 

If you do adjust the box, make sure that the steering is centered in the dead ahead position. The reason for this is that the sector gear has a high center so that the steering is nice and tight when you driving down the road. It loosens up slightly when you turn in either direction. If you adjust the box and the steering is off center, you could get it too tite and it will bind up when you try to go straight. []

There's also a plug adjuster on the front end of the steering box that can be adjusted. You should get a Service Manual before attempting either of these because of the aforementioned problem. The adjustments require an in-oz torque wrench.

 

THANKS to you all !!!!!!

I have fixed the play at steering wheel by turning the screw slightly more than 1/2 turn. Now the steering wheel is great! precise , tight and not so light as before.
Thanks!!!

PG , thanks also for the tip on how to check if the fan's clutch works : mine stops in1-2 seconds after engine off

in pictures attached my engine now and 1 month ago, when I got my car.

i have washed the whole engine and bay, fitted a new 14" air cleaner, replaced spark plugs, rearranged the sparks wires, polished the valve covers and painted black ( by hand with a brush), various dirty or rusty parts. Not so bad now...

[IMG]local://upfiles/6949/0C4A15DE94F34F67B7284CCADB9DE07F.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/6949/58ECD2DC79A54F5AA78F5B7D70AB8850.jpg[/IMG]

 

WOW! What a difference, that came out great. Before and after looks like day and night, PG.

 

I agree,a major improvement! The before and after pictures look great!

Keep up the good work!

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