kenney001

iTrader: (1)

Hello guys,

Im chasing down a problem and am out of ideas.

The steering doesnt want to return to center.

What has been replaced:

• LSX swap power steering unit (brand new)
• UMI Tubular A-Arms (Brand new Ball Joints included)
• Astro Van Steering Shaft Swap
• Koni Yellow Shocks
• Moog Tie Rods
• Moog Center Link
• Moog Idler Arm

What I've done:

• Pulled off steering box, adjusted worm preload and over-center following the guide I found on this site. It was hard to turn the pitman arm before.
• Front End Alignment - (3.9/4.4 caster)
• Greased all steering joints/grease fittings

What I have NOT replaced:

• Steering Box
• Idler Arm (didnt seem loose or wobbly when I handled it)
• Pitman Arm

Before I go buy a new steering box or throw any more money at this, I thought maybe i'd ask here in case there's something I missed.

There isnt much play in the steering wheel, and with the pitman arm/center link disconnected, I can move center link/front wheels without too much effort.

//<86TA>\\

iTrader: (14)

If you actually have 4degrees of negative caster, that's a problem. Should be positive.

The preload on the box can make this happen as well if its a little too tight

kenney001

iTrader: (1)

So I just swapped out the steering box with a reman'd one. Didnt work

I then backed off the adjuster screw on the box two whole turns, where the pitman arm had just a little play in it. Didnt work

I slid the caster plates back another 1/2 to 3/4 inchto give it much more caster, Didnt work.

I pulled the tie rods out of the center link, and both wheels/ball joints/outer tie rod joints moved freely without binding or too much effort.

Is there anything inside the steering box that helps it return to center? It is incredibly hard to move the pitman arm with the hydrolics hooked up.

Spdrcr

I am having this same problem. I replaced just about everything too except pitman arm. I even put in a solid steering shaft to eliminate the rag joint. I only adjusted the top adjustment but it goes from a ton of play to too tight (with some play still)


I was going to get a new steering box but maybe that is not the answer after all. I think I saw somebody had tightened down all the joints too much and after torqueing them to the right specs it fixed it.