After having owned my first 1992 z28 convertible the steering was what you would say downright scary. I drove the car home with 145k miles on it and you literally had to have 2 hands on the steering wheel. After tons of research i finally have found the long term solution. I did this over 2 months ago to ensure it worked properly, and the solution is right by the rag joint there is a big lock nut. You loosen the locknut and tighten it down pretty darn tight. Not too much and if you tighten it too much it will bind. This hands down made my 145k mile car feel damn near new. I know some people are going to say take out the box etc etc etc. I really cant see worn out suspension componets with 145k miles of easy driving yes super hard or beat on cars may have worn out suspension componets.


I am glad i made this simple adjustment. How i did it was loosen the lock nut tighten the divits with a wrench or screwdriver then back off just a little. Turn the steering wheel back and forth to tighten it up. Job is completed.


My steering though is as tight as cheetahs club on monday night.


Matt

 

Good to know.

 

Did this to my v6....I guess your steering must be VERY sloopy in order to feel a difference because I felt nothing. Although I still have a bit of play...felt by myself and 2 others, I feel no difference in the wheel.

 

My steering has some play as well. I will try this and see if it solves the problem. The cover has oil on it so it might need more repair, but good to know about tightening the nut.

 

While the adjustment will take some slop out of the box, if the steering components themselves (center link, idlers arms, tie rods, etc.) are worn, you'll still experience play.

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.

JamesC

 

I had to adjust my brand new ac delco quick ratio gearbox as well when i installed it.

 

Thanks, JamesC, that is exactly the info I was looking for. Gotta love forums.

 

My car was basically dangerous to drive before doing this, had to use both hands and it would still glide all over the road. After doing it, now I can feel the tightness of the rebuilt front end. The difference is amazing.

 

Thanks jamesc, worked wonderfully.

 

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