Steering box

[drchris1024]

I first indexed the screw with some white paint. Then I loosened the lock nut and made 1/4" turn adjustments with an allen wrench until the tires moved in unison with the steering wheel(truck running) or something close to it. Held the position with the allen wrench and retightened the lock nut. A little fluid leaked during this proceedure but stopped when I tightened everything back up.


Tbar

Pretty sure it is a 3/16 allen, 5/8 lock nut as I remember.

 

[paulkeith]

not to hijack, but be very careful adjusting the steering box like that. getting it to where it feels "tight" can be too much preload on the two gears and cause way accelerated wear.

 

[spindrift]

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but...

The State is in the middle of a major re-paving project on one of our close interstates. There are several warning signs for uneven pavement. You know the kind; where the road crew finished a new lane last night and now there is a few inch drop from the new down to the old pavement.

When I cross that "transition" line I really have to hang on to the steering wheel because it feels like a huge pavement gremlin has just reached up under the truck, grabbed the front wheels and violently jerked them to the side. I've witnessed other vehicles making the same transition without the violent jerking motion that I experience.

Maybe an extremely unscientific theory, but maybe this is further evidence of a bad steering box. The entire steering/suspension system, including bushings, etc. got a clean bill of health from the alignment shop.

Opinions?

 

[DaveBen]

Your bad road does not help a steering system, but I think you are over reacting on this. My truck, which has great steering, will move around in the circumstance that you described.

Dave