Steering Wheel Play

I have a 97 S10 SS that has alot of play in the steering wheel. I am nor for sure what the problem is. I had somebody tell me that it is probally in the steering box and that I can tighten that up with a screw that is in the box or something. Does anybody else have this problem or had this problem. If so pls tell me how to fix this. I need to get an alighment and I would like to have this fixed before then.
Thanks,David

what do you mean by play? does the column feel loose or does the steering wheel seem to rotate too much?

My column was loose, I had to take it apart and tighten the last four bolts at the tilt.

he steering wheel seems to rotate to much. You can turn it probally an 1/8th of a turn before it does anything.

Well i can tell you that its not the same problem that i had. Your first reply saying it was a screw down in the steering box seems like a good start. I would do that before i took apart a column again. Nothing in the column would cause that unless something is seriously broken, so i would say yes something to do with the box, or if its an after market steering wheel then maby it wasn't put on right?

Deeejay
I had the same problem with my 98 Blazer a while back, this link may help ya.
This was a very easy job and one of the best things i've ever done to my truck. Worth every dollar I spent......... Good Luck...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=525629

I have a 97 S10 SS that has alot of play in the steering wheel. I am nor for sure what the problem is. I had somebody tell me that it is probally in the steering box and that I can tighten that up with a screw that is in the box or something. Does anybody else have this problem or had this problem. If so pls tell me how to fix this. I need to get an alighment and I would like to have this fixed before then.
Thanks,David
please do a search next time as there are many threads on this topic.

Also, have someone wiggle the wheel back and forth while checking out the inner tie rod ends. They go bad quite easily especially if the owner doesn't grease them 3 times a year.

10 grease fittings to grease.

Like the mod says... do a site search on this topic. But whatever you do, *don't* just arbitrarily "adjust" your steering box with the screw on top of it....you'll end up doing more harm than good and that screw will not remove the normal build up of slack that occurs due to wear. There are two adjustments to make on the Saginaw steering box; there is a large internal nut located where the steering shaft enters the box and it is held in place by a large lock nut...look down there just after the rag joint and you'll see the lock nut and internal nut. That is what needs proper adjusting to take out the slack in the steering. The screw on top that everyone just loves to mess with is the overcenter adjustment.....if you cinch that screw down too tightly, the best that will happen is you'll just cause excessive internal wear and the worst is your steering will not return to center on its own when exiting a turn.

You can make the adjustments but you will need a good Chilton's or the Factory Svc Manual.....and the box will have to be removed to perform them.

mike
'85S10