Need help with loose steering

[Veronica Mangan]

I've got a 77 Chevy Silverado. I've had a lot of front end work done, but the front end still seems to have a mind of its own. Can I tighten up the steering???? How? I'm separated from my shop manual or I'd just look it up.

Can someone point me to a thread (I don't care how ancient) that might help?

Please let me know - truck is jacked up with no place to go

Veronica

[maxwedge]

Well where is the play, in steering in the gear box, linkage, alignment good, no play in any suspension components? What exactly are the symptoms, is the truck raised? Lots of info missing to give you any real help.

[oldblu65]

I don't know if this will apply to your 1977 Silverado but I have a 1965 Chevrolet C10 with manual steering . I know it has small amount of adjustment - there is a threaded set screw on the top of the steering box . This screw has a hex nut that is used to lock the threaded screw down . You can loosen the hex nut and tighten the screw down , then lock the hex nut back down to lock it's position . ** Warning ** - Don't go crazy and over tighten the screw or you might lock the steering box up . So be conservative when adjusting the screw . Tighten it a little at a time and try the steering between adjustments . Again , I don't know if this will apply to your '77 Silverado ? Good luck !

[Veronica Mangan]

Sorry - we've rebuit most of the front end and have tracked down the remaining play to the steering box. I see the locking nut and the allen key hole for the adjustment, and am aware that one must not get too carried away, was just wondering in which direction one screws the adjusting nut.
Thanks!
Veronica M.
(and thanks for the quick replies!)

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Veronica Mangan

Sorry - we've rebuit most of the front end and have tracked down the remaining play to the steering box. I see the locking nut and the allen key hole for the adjustment, and am aware that one must not get too carried away, was just wondering in which direction one screws the adjusting nut.
Thanks!
Veronica M.
(and thanks for the quick replies!)

this steering gear adjustment will not help . the gear teeth are worn. usually water enters and the fluid begins to eat at the metal. fluid needs replaceing every 7 years under normal use.

when this occurs many try the adjustment which leads to more wear and sloppy steering.

replacing with a rebuilt unit is not a good idea. these have worn metal teeth and they just replace the seals.

scrap yard steering gear that will work with your vehicle is best bet.

new gears are expensive

[777stickman]

Loosen the jamb nut and then turn the allen to the right (clockwise). This should be done with the front tires off the ground. If you go too far you will feel binding when turning the steering wheel left to right of center.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Veronica Mangan

Sorry - we've rebuit most of the front end and have tracked down the remaining play to the steering box. I see the locking nut and the allen key hole for the adjustment, and am aware that one must not get too carried away, was just wondering in which direction one screws the adjusting nut.
Thanks!
Veronica M.
(and thanks for the quick replies!)

this is the adjusting proceedure. to do this you must remove the steering input shaft and pitman arm. also you will need a INCH torque wrench. then you can adjust this , which I believe will be a waste of time.

so do it anyway nothing to loose except a few hours of time. then you'll be a steering gear expert.

Saginaw Steering Box Adjustment

The nut and screw adjust Worm bearing Preload and Sector shaft mesh. NOTE! The steering gear must be out of the vehicle to adjust it on all 1974 and later Saginaw rotary gear units. The earlier models can be adjusted (sector shaft preload) on vehicle. Here is the manner that GM Saginaw Division recommends how to adjust. Disconnect the pitman arm from the sector shaft, completely back off the sector shaft adjusting screw on the sector shaft cover. Center steering on the "high point" then attach an inch lb torque wrench to the steering wheel shaft, the torque required to keep the shaft moving for one complete turn should be 1/2 - 2 in lbs. If the torque is not within these limits, loosen the thrust bearing locknut or tighten valve sleeve adjuster plug to bring the preload within limits. Tighten the thrust bearing locknut and recheck preload. Slowly rotate the steering shaft several times, then center the steering on high point. Now, turn the sector shaft adjusting screw until a steering shaft torque of 3 - 6 in lbs more is required to move the worm through the center point. Tighten the sector shaft locknut to 35 ft lbs and recheck the sector mesh adjustment. Total steering gear preload should be 14 in lbs or less. Install the pitman arm and replace back in vehicle. To try and adjust the sector shaft screw without doing the preceding will DAMAGE the steering gear. Most of the play is not in the sector shaft adjustment, it is the spool valve