Loose C2 Steering Box Question

[Richard W.]

I have a queston regarding the steering box on my SWC. I want to tighten up my loose steering have isolated the problem to the box. The Shop Manual prochedure involves removal of the pitman arm nut and piston arm using tool J-6632 and measuring pull at the rim using tool J-0544.

Can I just try simply adjusting the pitman lash adjuster screw to see if the looseness will be gone or, at least, eliminated?

The Shop Manual also discusses adjusting worm bearings. The Manual is not too clear as to where the worm bearing adjuster lock nut and worm bearing adjuster is located. Again, can this adjustment be made without going through the entire Shop Manual prochedure?

I realize that there are probably no shortcuts, but I feel I should at least ask.

Thanks,

Dick

[Joe R.]

Re: Loose C2 Steering Box Question

Dick,

It's important to do some things when adjusting your steering box.

First don't tighten it up all the way.

Second make sure that you are in the center of the gears travel.

These things are carefully addressed in the service manual.

Centering your steering wheel may be accomplished by jacking up the front where the wheels are off the ground and while turning the wheel from stop to stop slowly, count the number of turns and divide by 2. You should notice that in the center of travel the wheel should be a little harder to turn.

The wheel should be left in the center of travel when making the adjustment. There is a mark on the steering box shaft that denotes top dead center. This mark cannot be seen unless the coupler is removed.

Loosen the nut and adjust the screw until all play is removed from the steering wheel. Then back the screw out until you have about 1 inch of play when moving the steering wheel from right to left.

This should work unless the box is damaged or worn out. In that case, purchase a rebuilt box from one of several suppliers.

Hope this helps but you must read and understand the service manual completely before starting this procedure.

Regards,

JR

[Richard W.]

Re: Loose C2 Steering Box Question

JR,

Just to clarify, you say that the coupler (rag joint) needs to be removed to see top dead center mark. Do you then make some other mark on the box and reinstall the coupler? If not, how do I check steering wheel play during while turning the screw with the coupler off?

Thanks again,

Dick

[Duke W.]

Re: Loose C2 Steering Box Question

I don't recommend "messing with" the lash adjuster nut. If you overtighten it you can gall the gears and the "play" may be elsewhere in the steering system.

I think you are beter off removing the box and overhauling it. The procedure is in the '63 Corvette Shop Manual. The worm bearing adjuster and lock nut is at the input end of the housing.

The toughest part of removing the box it pulling the pitman arm, but any good sized claw puller should work. Then it's just a matter of loosening the flex joint pinch bolt to pull up the steering shaft and unbolting the housing from the frame.

You need a small torque wrench - no more than 50 in-lb to set up the worm gear and total preload. Typcially the only new required parts are new seals and grease, but I also changed the lash adjuster shim.

I found the shop manual procedure to be straight forward, but there are several specialists who have experience rebuilding Corvette Steering gears.

While the steering gear is out for a rebuild you can also disassemble the steering column and clean/repair as necessary the column bearings and flex joint. The steering linkage should also be checked and any worm parts replaced. Once everthing is back together the steering system should feel like new.

Duke

[Joe R.]

Re: Loose C2 Steering Box Question

Dick,

You won't need to remove the rag joint to accomplish this task. Didn't mean to confuse you. Please read the service manual before you attempt this adjustment.

Regards,

JR

[Frank H.]

Re: Loose C2 Steering Box Question

IF the steering box is adjusted for lash in the center were the most wear is,you will have the steering lock up when its turned to the less worn ends.
and maybe crack up your plastic chevy
I suggest you turn the steering wheel all the way to one side then loosen the locknut and tighten the lash screw tight then backoff a 1/4-1/2 turn or so and lock it down,then check steering box for play with the wheels centered,this will be the wear.
Now you can decide,to rebuild it or send it out,if you decide to rebuild it yourself get a new or rebuilt pitman shaft/gear along with the rebuild kit.

Machine shop reground the last pitman gear for me,and other than a thicker lash washer,it is like new and all original,the sector gear just tips a little lower down the pitman gear and contacts a fresh even area on the gear.