Jimoldsfan

Question, I just had my front end aligned on my 71" Cutlass and everything checked out fine. But I am noticing some play in the steering, nothing major but it is noticable. Should I consider having my steering box replaced or rebuilt? Or any other suggestions?

oldcutlass

How much play, was it there prior to the alignment? Worn front end components would cause this also.

455man

These old cars are not as tight as the newer cars. I think the gearing is different. It could be worn though.

Olds64

You can remove the steering gear box and have it rebuilt. There is a company in MO that rebuilds steering gear boxes to quicker ratios. I wish I had that information with me.

Jimoldsfan

Yes the play has been there for years. I had the front end rebuilt a few years ago but that was not the problem. It's not a lot of slack but is noticeable. Maybe around an inch on the freeway.

Jimoldsfan

Thank you, i will look into that.

ls98

There is an adjustment that you can do to tighten the steering box,there is a stud on the side of box with a jam nut on it,you loosen the jam nut and turn the stud,to remove play in the worm gear,i believe your suppose to use an inch pound torque wench to properly adjusted it.

MDchanic

That's too much.

If everything else has been checked out or replaced, then, yes, it sounds like your steering box is worn.

There are rebuilders out there, also aftermarket boxes down the street at the auto parts store, also the infamous '97 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering box, which has worked very well for me and many others.

- Eric

Jimoldsfan

Thank you for all your replies, I appreciate all the help!

oldcutlass

An inch? I don't think thats a lot.

MDchanic

A full inch? Going straight down the road?

I don't think it's unusual, but I do think it's more than it should be.

A half inch, sure, but a full inch is a bit too loose.

I'm also ASSuming that he means he can move it that far with NO movement of the car in the lane at all.

- Eric

Lady72nRob71

How many miles on the steering box?
Mine had 155k and I had it rebuilt. Tightened it up like new!

oldcutlass

Lets clarify, is that an inch of play on the pitman arm moving side to side while under the car, or moving the steering wheel an inch from side to side while driving?

stetzie

Check the rag joint before you pull the steering box.
stetzie

Jimoldsfan

The steering wheel

Jimoldsfan

Yes no movement of the car

Jimoldsfan

As far as i know, 100,000. But i don't have any past history for the car.

MDchanic

OldCutlass and I will have to respectfully disagree on this, but I believe that an inch is too much.
Not a lot too much, but too much, compared to the way it's supposed to be (or can be).

If it bothers you, I'd change it. I've driven a lot of cars with that much play, and more, and it didn't particularly bother me, but everyone's different.

- Eric

Jimoldsfan

Yes I think I agree with you. I see OReiley Parts sells a rebuilt one for around $116.00. I think it would be worth the money.

hookem horns

Consider a quick ratio box if you are going to the trouble to fix it, just mo' money. I like the tight feeling but some folks prefer stock. Don't know anything about the Grand Cherokee swap but heard that is a good and cost effectibe route.

501Paratrooper

http://www.powersteering.com/

AlanT

I wonder if the 97 jeep limited I sold for a song a few years ago is still around lol.
Is this a drop in situation?

My steering gear has play at 55k that is tough for me to accept and it for sure the box.

I tried the 1/8 adjust and there is NO change at all.

MDchanic

Have you checked the rest of your steering linkage?

- Eric

AlanT

Yes its been on the rack and gone over!
I can see the play were the shaft goes into the box. W Car not running I can move it with my hand under the hood. prob about a 1.5 inch movement at the wheel.

MDchanic

You should read the posts on this subject here and on another site about Chevelles (there's a link in one of the other threads - at work and can't find it now).

Basically, yes, it is a drop-in, along with a couple if fitting adapter slugs and a new rag joint.

The only thing I can't say for sure is whether the sweep is the same for Toros - it's definitely okay for A-bodies and '71-up B-bodies.

- Eric

AlanT

B -plan....60.00 reman from the ROCK!

76 Regency

Here's a thought since I had pretty much the same situation on my red 98 years ago. Have you checked that the play isn't coming from the intermediate shaft coupling? My car had play in there because there was some wear (it was pretty dry in there). I replaced it with a good original shaft from a parts car and it's good as new again (and loaded with grease!) I would check that joint and the rag joint too.

MDchanic

I had to replace the centerlink on my '68 years ago, and it made a huge difference, but if your linkage is good, it's good.

PST has the centerlink if you should need it:



- Eric

coppercutlass

I replaced all steering components on my 72 and I have manual steering. The steering is now nice tight and does not wander and I have little to no clack in my steering wheen and my steering box is from a 66 gto. My steering components actually seemed fine but going to new stuff changed my mind about replacing my steering box. My car used to wander and not track straight. I still have not aligned it and drove it around the block the other day. It drove straight did not pull and the steering was nice and firm.

AlanT

the play is for sure in the BOX. I can see it move right were the shaft enters it

oldcutlass

I'm wondering what the OP did with this and if it's corrected? If there is major play in the box then plan B is your best bet.