Hey guys, I've searched this topic on these forums and I've seen responses ranging from "never touch the steering box adjustment" to several different tutorials on how to do it.

My car (91 Trans Am with WS6) handles well, only thing that bugs me is the numbness/play on center while cruising down a highway. The car doesn't wander much if at all, but I just don't like the on-center feel.

SO is there a way to SAFELY adjust the steering box? Or does it need to get replaced/rebuilt altogether? My car is mostly stock, however 2 years ago I rebuilt the front end (all Moog parts with the exception of the KYB struts) and just last week I installed 1" Eibach lowering springs with fresh Falken tires and alignment, so I know I don't need a front end rebuild. I also installed a wonderbar last year (but I don't recall seeing any of the typical steering box cracks on the frame) However the on-center feel while cruising stayed about the same before/after the springs and wonderbar. My friend has a similar issue in his 88 IROC-Z.

 

I just went ahead and changed my steering box not really that hard to do. You well need to get a puller for the Pitman arm. IMO this would be the best way to go.

 

I've rebuilt several.

Very easy to adjust.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...extremely.html

 

Just be careful when you adjust it that it's not so tight that it practically freezes in cold weather. Which was one of the reasons I had to warm the car up when it was cold outside . Was fine when the ambient temp was above 45* or thereabouts, but any colder, it was hard steering until the box warmed up.

 

If you wish to rebuild, check the sticky at the top of the page for info.

JamesC

 

One little thing that got me when I was trying to chase the centre play out of mine with all new parts - check that the rivets holding the steering wheel onto the boss are not loose. Mine were, accounted for about half the play.