Just a little too much play in the wheel.

[lilthom]

I have checked and know that everything is tight and/or new with all the steering linkage. I thought that my steering box was finally due for an overhaul so I sent if off to PSC in Texas last fall to have that done. I still have about an inch of free play that is mostly annoying. I can turn the wheel back and forth to see that where the steering shaft enters the back of the gear box there is free play without the wheels moving at all. I have never been real sure just how much adjusting can be done with the screw on top of the steering box. PSC painted a reference mark on it when they had it. Can I tighten that a half turn or so to see if that reduces the play?

 

[1969]

Yeah I don’t see why you couldn’t adjust it. Do you have a new steering shaft from the column to the steering box? How’s your frame look around the box? Is it cracked or flexing at all?

 

[lilthom]

Yeah I don’t see why you couldn’t adjust it. Do you have a new steering shaft from the column to the steering box? How’s your frame look around the box? Is it cracked or flexing at all?

No, as I said, all the components are solid. I will try a slight adjustment and see how it feels.

 

[bigmuddy]

My understanding was that the adjustment was good for no more than a 1/4 turn. Reality is that you are just jamming that bolt into the sector shaft to effect some small change.

 

[lilthom]

My understanding was that the adjustment was good for no more than a 1/4 turn. Reality is that you are just jamming that bolt into the sector shaft to effect some small change.

I have read that as well which is the reason I wanted to confirm. I will see if 1/4 turn makes any difference and if not, put it back where it was. It's baffling because none of the joints in the new steering shaft have slack. I will report back the outcome.

 

[m_m70]

I've been told that adjustment is made at the factory and not to be messed with.
Interested to see what others have to say here....

Good luck and let us know!

 

[lilthom]

Well, PSC answered everything but the questions as to whether I should make any adjustments with the "set screw" on the gear box. They did say that the movement should be .50" each way. I think I will leave it be. I went back to the stock size big steering wheel. I think the large size magnifies what would otherwise be acceptable play. I guess this will be the conclusion of what became a trivial thread.
Thanks for input.

 

[1969]

Good to know what PSC thinks is acceptable. Thank you.

 

[lilthom]

Good to know what PSC thinks is acceptable. Thank you.

I guess I really should have got clarification on just where that play is measured. Where the steering shaft connects to the gear box? At the steering wheel? What diameter wheel?

 

[FordBronc]

As I understand it that screw is to set the backlash of the sector shaft AKA Pitman shaft. And it should not be adjusted, unless you have the correct tools. Have you inspected the steering shaft connections? Do you have 2 u joints or 1 u joint and a rag joint? How are the splines on each connection point? Tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings all good and TIGHT? A little play here and there adds up.

 

[lilthom]

As I understand it that screw is to set the backlash of the sector shaft AKA Pitman shaft. And it should not be adjusted, unless you have the correct tools. Have you inspected the steering shaft connections? Do you have 2 u joints or 1 u joint and a rag joint? How are the splines on each connection point? Tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings all good and TIGHT? A little play here and there adds up.

Yep, all that is good. Flaming river joints on a new collapsible shaft and I see no wiggle whatsoever in the shaft. If it bugs me too much I will just go back to a smaller diameter steering wheel.

 

[Yeller]

Thom one thing I’ve noticed is that PSC boxes tend to have more play than those from Redhead. No idea right or wrong but an observation. I hate the play in the PSC box in my bronco. Just not enough to replace it lol.