Help With Steering Box

[Exit98]

I'm trying to get to my steering box. Once I do, how to you check it?

In otherwords how is the top removed? I see 4 bolts around the perimeter. Also the large center adjusting nut.

Can someone with experience with this please help me out?

Thanks,

[vandor]

No reason to remove the top. There is a square plug on top, that is where you fill it with oil. Oil is 90 weight gear oil and it should be filled to 1" below the top.
The center stud/nut are for adjusting out any excessive play. Loosen the 19mm nut and turn the adjusting stud in to make it tighter. You can make it too tight and that will bind the steering some and the steering wheel may not return to center.
Best might be to adjust until you feel any resistance, after that do it in small increments and test drive each time.

[Exit98]

Csaba,

Thanks for your reply. I was thinking about removing the whole top since I couldn't get the plug out.

But I did get the plug out. I'll post the great idea Ralph gave me to get it done.

I'll call you Monday with my order.

[donerehart]

This website is so helpful! Thank you all who make it happen!

[kevsem65]

Awesome I agree that this forum is exceptionally helpful. Actually my wife is annoyed by how much I now stare at my phone, lol. Anyway I just put in a brand new steering box , tie rods and got it alignedand there is about 2 inces of play in the wheel. How much is acceptable and what is the proper procedure and check test? Thx in advance. Kevin

[DieselSpider]

Awesome I agree that this forum is exceptionally helpful. Actually my wife is annoyed by how much I now stare at my phone, lol. Anyway I just put in a brand new steering box , tie rods and got it alignedand there is about 2 inces of play in the wheel. How much is acceptable and what is the proper procedure and check test? Thx in advance. Kevin

With the wheels pointed straight ahead you tighten the adjuster on the cover until there is one inch of play and then turn the wheels left and right to verify that there is no binding and if there is then loosen the adjuster slightly until the wheel turns full left and right without binding.

On an old box you are best off checking the adjustment of the worm shaft bearings however you need to remove the box from the vehicle in order to do this.

When the worm shaft is adjusted loose or the cross shaft is too tight you can get damage to the center race cast into the worm shaft so that the worm shaft will then need to be replace.

[kevsem65]

Thanks!

[vandor]

On many new boxes there is a lock washer that will keep the adjustment from turning unless the lock nut is undone 2-3 turns an then the washer is lifted up.