How much steering shaft play is normal?

[GearAddict]

My manual steering 69 RR has a very large amount of play in t he steering wheel. I'm expecting to have some amount due to the nature of the design, but 4-5" of travel on the steering wheel seems excessive?

While working on the car yesterday, I noticed I can grip the steering shaft with my hand and rotate the shaft in both directions freely, only moving the steering wheel (4" as above). Does this indicate a worn gearbox? Is it expected? Or something else I'm missing?

Any help is appreciated

 

[coloradodave]

Yes, it is excessive. There should be almost no play out of the steering box. Needs to have a 'look see'.

 

[GearAddict]

Yes, it is excessive. There should be almost no play out of the steering box. Needs to have a 'look see'.

That is what I was thinking.

If in need of rebuild...any suggestions on where? I'll check the local parts stores but I'm guessing it will not be available. I did see Flaming river has an expensive aftermarket piece and Firm Feel had a 200-300 dollar rebuild fee.

I did run into a guy who had a used one for sale for $175. Not sure of the condition..any tips for checking condition on used one, not installed in vehicle?

 

[sleepar]

You need a new box. No one ever changes the oil in manual boxes and those who have power change the pump and lines with the gear or you will contaminate a new one.... if you have tight headers get the small expensive box and quick ratio arms for headers...

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Have you adjusted the steering box??:blob1:

 

[GearAddict]

Have you adjusted the steering box??:blob1:

Thanks! I was unaware that it could be adjusted. I just read up on the process and seems simple enough. I'll tackle it tomorrow.

 

[GearAddict]

Ok, just getting around to tackling the adjustment today. Can someone help clarify for me....The Service Manual says (sect 19-3 Worm Bearing Pre-load 5a) "Loosen adjuster lock nut" where is this lock nut?.. it is not shown in the figures that I can see, unless they are refering to cross shaft adjustment lock nut...but that wouldn't make sense because I already loosened it in a previous step.

 

[Dennis H]

Firm Feel. Stage 2.

 

[okiemopar]

It is right on top of the steering box, there is a bolt with a slot in it with a nut on it. Loosen the nut and tighten the bolt down. At least this is the way it is on a manuel steering box. You didn't say if you had power steering are not.

 

[GearAddict]

It is right on top of the steering box, there is a bolt with a slot in it with a nut on it. Loosen the nut and tighten the bolt down. At least this is the way it is on a manuel steering box. You didn't say if you had power steering are not.

ok, it was just confusing because it told me to loosen that nut in an earlier step so, telling me to loosen it again just didn't make sense. Thanks for the clarification.

It is manual steering.

Thanks again for the help

- - - Updated - - -

Firm Feel. Stage 2.

I think that is for power steering? I did look at their rebuild service as I might have to go that way...wide tires and a 16:1 ratio unit like the Flaming river one are going to make turning a severe chore I'm guessing.

 

[A383Wing]

when you were moving the steering shaft, was the box shaft moving or not? Maybe the coupler is worn out?

 

[bigblock]

Or any combo of a dozen front end parts are worn collectively.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

:blob1:

when you were moving the steering shaft, was the box shaft moving or not? Maybe the coupler is worn out?

Must define where the slop comes from before anything

 

[GearAddict]

:blob1:

Must define where the slop comes from before anything

The play is in the box... I can grab the steering shaft and rotate it about 30 deg in either direction and the coupler and worm shaft rotate as well but no movement translates to the pitman arm, it stays still.

 

[Ryguytoodry]

Sometimes the play in the pot connector can be 1-2" once its worn out.

 

[Dennis H]

Firm Feel. Stage 2.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

The play is in the box... I can grab the steering shaft and rotate it about 30 deg in either direction and the coupler and worm shaft rotate as well but no movement translates to the pitman arm, it stays still.

Did you have any luck adjusting the box?? If not it needs a rebuild or upgraded replacement:angel3:

 

[GearAddict]

Did you have any luck adjusting the box?? If not it needs a rebuild or upgraded replacement:angel3:

No luck...it improved slightly but still tons of play... went from 30 Degrees of rotation (60 total) to 20 degrees. Looks like time for a new or rebuilt box... I did see that Borgenson is offering an ought right remanufactured unit (no core) for $389. Firm Feel and Steer and Gear will rebuild yours for $300 + $200 core. I might just go the borgenson route and save my old core.

Any other suggestions?

 

[A383Wing]

I got a couple decent used ones here..if that's an option

 

[GearAddict]

I got a couple decent used ones here..if that's an option

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