I'm trying to find out what causes the slack in the gear box. Is it the seals or the bearings? Everything on the outside is tight. The input and output shafts on the box don't have any wobble to them, but when i'm driving down the road i still have slack on the steering. I've replaced the rag joint and all the tierods are good.

How about the center link and idler arm? You may find the following link useful:

http://www.monte-list.nu/tech/boxmesh.shtml

JamesC

everything on the front end is tight. the slack is in the gear box itself.

you need to adjust the slop out, i believe it's from the bearings wearing down, theres an article how to do it on a monte carlo, same procedure

Perhaps the very one I posted above .

JamesC

ok. thank you very much! i'll try it as soon as i get the time. thanks again!!

The link posted above no longer works
I have this problem. I replaced all tie rods, ball joints, and still have a big dead zone in the middle of my steering. How do I adjust it / tighten it up?

Welcome to TGO. A search will generally the info you require.

Removing slop in the GM steering box
Part One
contributed by J. Matthew Daugherty


Does your car wander across truck grooves in the road, but didn't used to? Does the steering wheel have a lot of travel before your car begins turning? Generally feel numb on center?

Having a car with over 100K on it assures you that you'll have some chassis parts to replace and some steering "slop" to take care of. Idler arm, drag link, tie rods, ball joints, steering box, shocks, springs, bushings all could use replacing when they're high mileage.

The stock steering box on your g-body has an adjustment that is free, takes very little time to do and requires minimal tools. This adjustment removes slop in the preload of the gears in the steering box.


Tools

3/16" allen wrench
5/8" box end wrench
lubricating oil

Procedure

use oil to lubricate threads of locknut and adjustment plug (right on top, can't miss it)
raise the front end of the car so both front wheels are off the ground
put the box end wrench on the locknut
use allen wrench to hold the adjustment plug at the top of the box
holding the allen wrench stationary, loosen the locknut with the box end wrench several turns
turn the adjustment plug clockwise until snug to remove slack, then back it out 90 degrees.
holding the allen wrench stationary, tighten the locknut, remove wrenches
start car, run steering wheel through full rotation, checking for binding
if binding, repeat steps 3-8, backing out adjustment plug slightly more
lower car from jack (stands) drive car, note improvement!
I was AMAZED at how much slop this took out of the front end of my 131K '86 Monte Carlo SS (factory quick ratio box). I seriously doubt it had ever been done by prior owners.

I had recently put new upper ball joints, inner & outer tie rods with billet tie rod sleeves, 235/60 tires on stock 15x7" wheels, and have much more in store, but this made the biggest difference. Hope it helps someone.

JamesC

thanks a lot for the post! I actually did a search after I posted this and found my answer. I've been coming to this site for years but never really needed to post anything. Guess I just got lazy this time... Thanks

A ghost from the past......waaa aaaa aaaah!

Thank You JamesC