too much play in steering wheel...

[scooter38]

i have a 88 s-10 blazer 4WD and there is a lot of play in the steering wheel,
i mean a lot!!! is there a way to maybe adjust the steering to get some of the play out? its really annoying moving the steering wheel back and forth 4 or 5 inches constantly to keep it between the yellow lines..

[ZL1power69]

i had this problem. you can tighten the adjustment screw/nut on the steering box. loosen the screw with an allen wrench, then tighten the nut itself with a wrench while holding the allen wrench. after you are satisfied, tighten the allen screw.

[Marcinko]

Could we get a picture? My sterring is pretty good (all new components), but would still like to know exactly where to look. If possible...thanks!!

[scooter38]

Thnxx for the reply, i will try this first chance i get!!!

[Blue Bowtie]

Actually, the adjustment is the other way around. The locknut is backed off to allow the hex recess set screw to be adjusted, then the locknut is tightened to hold the adjustment. Be very careful about how much adjustment you make, since excessive preload of the sector shaft can lead to rapid gear wear. The proper method is to disconnect the steering shaft and measure torque required (in inch/ounces) to turn the input, but almost no one does it that way.

[ZL1power69]

Originally Posted by Marcinko

Could we get a picture? My sterring is pretty good (all new components), but would still like to know exactly where to look. If possible...thanks!!

here ya go. i got the steps backward (my bad) but they are in the pic.

[laxman21]

Damn. Sound like I will have to give it a try.

[scooter38]

Thanx a lot!! it worked!! i turned it about 1/4 to 1/2 a turn clockwise and it made a lot of difference, very little if any play in steering wheel now.

[Blue Bowtie]

You might also want to check Item #1 in the diagram ZL1power69 provided. Loose idler arms are common, and can contribute to a lot of steering slop.