Steering box issues

H

Hardrinseron

Regular user
Hi folks,

My recommissioned 1978 C3 has a lot of slop in the steering box. The rag joint is new so its not that. I've tried adjusting the screw on the pitman shaft but it made zero difference. I'm now wondering if i should try and adjust the worm shaft or just ditch it and get a new box. Can anyone tell me is it possible to adjust the worm shaft without removing the box? is it just a case of loosening the lock nut and tighteing the bearing nut inside, then tightening the lock nut again?

thanks!
 
antijam

antijam

CCCUK Member
I adjusted my '71 box in situ (see here) and tightened it up significantly. If your car doesn't have power steering at least jack the front wheels off the ground before making any adjustments.
Are you sure the play is in the box? You've discounted the rag joint but have you checked all the suspension and steering ball joints?
 
H

Hardrinseron

Regular user
antijam said:
I adjusted my '71 box in situ (see here) and tightened it up significantly. If your car doesn't have power steering at least jack the front wheels off the ground before making any adjustments.
Are you sure the play is in the box? You've discounted the rag joint but have you checked all the suspension and steering ball joints?
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Everything in the suspension is brand new so im sure its the box. My car has power steering but i believe the box is exactly the same right? am i correct on the process above? undo the locking nut and tighten the nut inside?
 
johng

johng

CCCUK Member
It's possible to do in situ and you have the right process. From what I've read you can tell if the shaft needs adjusting by looking at it while the steering is turned and seeing if it moves in and out. Also I believe you are supposed to adjust the shaft first, then adjust the screw. If you over tighten it you will introduce friction and cause the box to wear quickly. I jacked mine up and had my son move the steering as I adjusted it to tell if it was stiffening up. I hardly needed to move the nut at all to remove the slack. It's easy to move the nut when you retighten the locknut, so best to scribe it first so you can tell if it moves. It's worth giving it a go if you are considering replacing the box anyway.
 
H

Hardrinseron

Regular user
johng said:
It's possible to do in situ and you have the right process. From what I've read you can tell if the shaft needs adjusting by looking at it while the steering is turned and seeing if it moves in and out. Also I believe you are supposed to adjust the shaft first, then adjust the screw. If you over tighten it you will introduce friction and cause the box to wear quickly. I jacked mine up and had my son move the steering as I adjusted it to tell if it was stiffening up. I hardly needed to move the nut at all to remove the slack. It's easy to move the nut when you retighten the locknut, so best to scribe it first so you can tell if it moves. It's worth giving it a go if you are considering replacing the box anyway.
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Great thanks for the advice. I'm certainly going to give it a go. Whats the best advice for loosing the locking nut? what tool did you use? hammer and a punch?
 
Oneball

Oneball

CCCUK Member
What John says about the procedure. Get a factory maintenance book to tell you how to do it.

Are you sure the play isn’t in the powers steering control valve? Does the play change with the engine running?
 
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