|
Re: Steering
First, check for looseness in all the front suspension and steering components: pitman arm, tie rod ends, drag link and ball joints. These are all safety related issues.
A good alignment helps too.
There is an adjustment on the steering box for end play in the sector shaft (I think thats what it's called.
An alignment shop should do this adjustment, but this is how I adjust them:
On the top of the box, there is a screw with a jam nut around it, surrounded by four other bolts.
Leave the ignition off, but turn the key far enough to unlock the steering. Turn the steering shaft by hand. If you have play in the steering box, you can turn the shaft a bit before the wheels turn. It will feel as if its rocking back and forth a bit before engaging the steering.
Loosen the jam nut about 1/2 turn and rotate the screw clockwise just a but. As you turn the screw, rotate the steering shaft. You should be able to feel the loose rocking motion decrease as the screw turns. When the looseness has just barely been eliminated, hold the screw in that position and tighten the jam nut.
BE VERY CAREFUL. If you tighten the screw even a bit too far, the steering will become stiff and the steering wheel will no longer center itself.
|