Steering Box adjustment (and I searched)

[TWINRAY]

I don't want to make this complicated. I want to loosen the adjustment and see if my steering wheel will return to center better. I have "like" no play. Can I just loosen the lock nut and back out the adjusting screw 1/4 turn and then retighten the lock nut. Does the lock nut serve any other function other than securing the adjusting screw?

 

[cruzer99]

The first question is why is it tight or stiff? If you adjusted it alreadythen yes you can loosen it but I would only try 1/8 or 1/4 turn first. If you did not adjust it already then you need to find out why is it tight. Bad ball joints, etc..

Good luck

 

[Yoda]

TWINRAY,

Here is an Article from our Knowledge Base, which can be found under the Tech Center Tab at the top of the page

Hope this helps.

Bud

 

[TWINRAY]

The first question is why is it tight or stiff? If you adjusted it alreadythen yes you can loosen it but I would only try 1/8 or 1/4 turn first. If you did not adjust it already then you need to find out why is it tight. Bad ball joints, etc..

Good luck

No I never adjusted it "in." My steering return stiffened up last year after I put a HD Moog Idler arm in, along with new tie rods and a new p/s cylinder and valve. I centered the valve and it seems to work properly. This year I put in Poly a-arm bushings along with new Moog ball joints. Personally I think everything is real stiff especially the Idler arm. I just wanted to see if the steering box adjustment would make any difference. Thanks

 

[TWINRAY]

TWINRAY,

Here is an Article from our Knowledge Base, which can be found under the Tech Center Tab at the top of the page

Hope this helps.

Bud

Thanks Bud, Fred

 

[TWINRAY]

Adjusted the steering box screw out 1/8 turn. Also knocked down tire pressure to 28 lbs from 30 lbs. While still not like I want it and alignment has to be redone at least to get the steering wheel pointed straight (now over the top 1" - 1 1/2" on a straight flat road), much improved over before. At least the wheel returns somewhat - still along way from what it should do. Will go down another 1/8 turn for a total 1/4 turn and see how the ride is.

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

to make a refined adjustment...

:nono -best to make that critical steering-gear adjustment at least with the front-tires off the ground in straight-ahead position only (-in fact, you can really best feel the preciseness of your adjustment when you remove the Tie-rod from the Pitman-arm), --then preferably with the steering-wheel removed, you can you really get a true-feel for any excess-loading the adjustment may be imposing upon the internal-rollers & ball-bearings by using your thumb & fore-finger to turn the steering-shaft free of the inertia-effect exerted by the steering-wheel (that way you can feel the very subtle internal action/condition)... :dance ~Bob vH

 

[Blue82]

I had a 79 Camaro in to be aliagned way back when. The mechanic asked me if I wanted it setup like a Z28. He said it would be much more rsponsive, but it would not return to center without my assistance. He was right! Turned on a dime, no tire wear, but didn't return well.

Is it possible that you need to get that aliagnment first before you rely on the box adjustment?

 

[JohnZ]

The key contributor to steering returnability and self-centering (and straight-ahead tracking) is front caster; get it set at 2.5*-2.7* if you have power steering, and no less than 1.5* with manual steering. It'll make a big difference.

 

[TWINRAY]

To keep this situation updated, and for those interested, here is the link.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55063