My steering is loose and I can tell the slop is coming from the box. I remember reading on here a while ago the the box can be adjusted. I have an 82 z and the steering box has 4 cover bolts and the is an allen screw with a locknut on the top. I heard the screw should be torqued to 5-6 ft-lbs. Is this true? I have looked in Haynes and Chiltons but to no avail. Help please!

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82 z28 350cid, vortec heads, comp 262h cam, Holley 600cfm carb, 2in twice pipes, MSD ignition, turbo 350 trans, 3.73 posi

 

never adjusted a thirdgens stearing, but on the cars i've done i just backed off the jam nut, adjusted the set screw untill the play in the stearing wheel was to my liking and tightened the jam nut back down.

 

I'll explain the practical way to adjust the screw. The nut is just a jam nut. I'd turn in the screw 1/4 turn & road test the car. Keep doing this until you find the point it's set too tight, as evidenced that the steering wheel does not want to self-return after making a turn. Your road test should include left & right turns.

 

I'm hoping this gets bumped to the top and answered.

I understand how to adjust my loose steering with one exception.
Which direction do I turn the bolt? Clockwise or counter clockwise to remove the slop. Since I'm not sure what this adjustment does, I'd like just a little more input.

TIA.

 

Back the jam nut off in the usual direction, tighten the Allen screw a little in the usual direction, tighten the jam nut back up in the usual direction. No mysteries or confusion really.

 

i adjusted mine today about a half turn in and all it did was make the wheel harder to turn and not center by itself. it's still loose like it was. any thoughts?

 

It didn't need adjustment.

Check your rag joint, center link, tie rod ends, the other adjustment on the steering gear.

 

Sounds like its time for a suspension rebuild.

I just put in for a quote on Inner and Outer tie rod ends with sleeves, centerlink, pitman arm and idler arm.

I have a Tubular K-Member and Coil overs with new Arms going in.

I want Zero Slop, typically the slop is caused because the front end parts are worn out. If the car is an 82 its 21 years old and time for a suspension rebuild.

 

i redid most of my front end this winter. the steering box is from a '91. the only things i didnt replace is the idle and center link. that must be where the problem is.