Steering Box Question.

[ROOK1]

My steering box has a hesitation when changing directions. It basically feels like a dead spot in the box, I lose all resistance in the wheel for a split second. Any ideas? Is there an adjustment that can be made?

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[htchevyii]

There's a screw with a locknut on top of the box. Turn it clockwise a little at a time, then test drive it, I got the box too tight when I tried just turning it back and forth in the driveway. You should leave just a little play in it to keep the box from binding.
Edit, you should make sure that the play is in the box and not the linkage before messing with the adjustment. Have someone rock the wheel back and forth in the "dead" area, if you don't see movement at the pitman arm, adjust the box, otherwise look for where the slack is.

[TulsaSpider]

Feels too loose? There is a very lengthy drawn out procedure on here somewhere. I basically thought heck that's not worth the steps and effort! When I was at the last Fiat Meetup in Mo a few weeks back. I had mentioned the play in my steering as being a bad thing when passing Semi trucks. One of the guys said then let's adjust it! I said well it's a very complicated procedure according to what I have read, he laughed and said you just need a flat blade screwdriver and a wrench. (mine is a 78 not sure if yours is different mind you) make sure your tired are absolutely straight. There is a nut and screw adjustment on top. Break the nut free and turn the nut clockwise just a little. Tighten and check to see if the play has gone. Just don't get it too tight. It was explained to me that it is too tight if you are driving, turn the wheel, let go, if it does not go back quickly to the center it is too tight. Fixed mine in about 10 minutes and WOW what an improvement!

[81SPIDERMATT]

this seemed a good a post as any to ask my silly question.... steering is fine but i want to check the fluid in the steering box.... i see the fill plug... but cant seem to find a socket that works... what am i missing...is there a trick.... i know the answer will be obvious to most but i am stumped..... thanks............matt

[kmead]

The right way is a bit complicated. The expedient way works as well but can cause inadvertent wear in the steering box if you take too much play out.

The expedient way is to loosen the lock nut, tighten the threaded center post with a flat blade screw driver to remove the slop and then tighten the lock nut again while holding the center post in place with the screwdriver.

I would do the adjustment in steps with a short drive between each adjustment so you don't over tighten the steering box and either cause wear or make the steering too heavy/tight.

Karl