2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering box adjustment - what did I do wrong?

[ROADWARRIOR]

I've had a loose and sloppy steering box for several years now. Several times I've tightened the over-center-adjustment with positive results. Well this winter I tightened up the bearing preload and I don't remember if I did the over-center-adjustment again or not. When I got my truck out of storage today I experienced a new steering problem. The slop has all shifted to the right. If I turn the wheel to the left, it starts to turn right away and there is no slop. But when I turn the wheel to the right, my wheel has a couple of inches of slop before anything happens. I visually verified the slop is in the box. What did I do wrong?



TIA,

Dan

 

[Loren]

Dan,



According to Chip from Power Steering Services (417-864-6676), what you did wrong was you adjusted your steering gear while it was installed in the truck. He told me that it is impossible to adjust one correctly while it's installed.



I tried to do mine only once, and I messed it up. The dealer's mechanic fixed it as well as he could without removing it, but it probably needed fine tuning by taking it to a bench.



I'm not knowledgeable enough to help with your particular problem, but at least this will move it back to the top.



Good luck,

Loren

 

[GOT-Torque]

I've adjust a few steering boxes before with good results, what is the over-center-adjustment?

 

[GOT-Torque]

found some info



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm

 

[Cummins724]

Make sure that your steering wheel is locked in the center position before adjusting the box..... could be your problem.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I talked to Chip today and he said I more than likely messed up the Bearing preload adjustment and screwed the bearing up. The good news is I needed a new box anyways, so this just expedited it. lol



Dan

 

[WDixon27]

i have been adjusting steering boxes for years and i always do it with the front wheels off the ground so i can steer it back and forth with the engine off to check for tight spots, i tighten till i find a tight spot and back off a 1/2-3/4 turn and check again, if it's smooth it's good to go, if it's still sloppy at this point the bottom of the box is worn out and its time for another box