excessive free play

[moneymike]

hello everyone ever since my car got crashed into i have had a lot of free play on my steering wheeldoesnt seem like a major problem but i would like to fix it if giving the chance anyone know any proper was of going about doing this

[Desert Rat]

Assuming you don't have major front end damage like balljoints that are about to fail, it could just be in your steering box worm gear. To adjust, there's a 17mm nut on top of the steering box with a set screw in the middle. Loosen the nut and turn the set screw clockwise NOT MORE THAN 1/8 TURN and see if that helps. Retighten the nut before you drive away.

[moneymike]

i just went out and tried it didnt make things better or worst any other ideas?

[seang]

I am familiar with the procedure DesertRat described, but I always thought you were supposed to center the wheel (there are alignment marks on the input of the steering box itself) and then adjust that bolt so that it clears center, then lock it back down.

It has to be adjusted on center because the farther away from center it is, the more play it will have. Even if it is adjusted properly, there will still be play if the wheel is off center (like alot off center) - this is just the way it has always worked on both my D21's. This is probably because it is only adjusting one part of the gear, it can't compensate for thrust washer wear.

If you put torque on the adjuster, then every time you pass center it will bind, and you do not want that. You just want it to clear center.

I wonder why DesertRat said only 1/8th turn at the most.

You could put the front of the truck on jack stands and inspect everything. I didn't know you got in an accident, that sucks.

[JC87HB]

desert what happens if one takes it more than 1/8?

[Rev_D21]

DR is talking about adjusting sector shaft lash. A little goes a long way when it comes to adjustments. Too much and the wheel will barely turn at all. Be careful if you play with that.

[seang]

DR is talking about adjusting sector shaft lash. A little goes a long way when it comes to adjustments.

You want to get it as close as you can while still being nice and free, right? I say "free" as in "no binding". That is what I do with mine.

If it goes too far, I just back off until it is all good. It's not like it is going to explode as soon as it bottoms out, you can mess with it a bit until you feel it is optimal. Optimal being as little play as you can get with no binding.

[Rev_D21]

That is correct. I'd consult the FSM for more info before just adjusting it by feel first.

[JC87HB]

yah i was just wondering.. cause i adjusted mine and i did a 1/4 of a turn.. and it feels fine.. no binding

[Desert Rat]

I say no more than 1/8 of a turn because you don't want to over adjust. If it needs more, adjust it more, but i'm starting to think you may have other worn components too.