i have an 89 gta with the 350 tpi engine. my steering is really loose and i can move it a lot from side to side without my wheels moving. how can i get my steering to be more sensitive and not have as much play to it.

 

Theres a nut on top of the steering box that has a bolt with an allen head. Loosen the nut and turn the shaft down. Im not sure how much though. I was told to have someone tutrn the wheel as you tighten it. Stop when it gets the slop out or when it gets tight to turn the shaft.

 

I also have this same problem. I've never heard of this adjustment before. Can you describe in more detail?
Thanks, S

 

First, turn the steering wheel (engine running) to get a good feel of how much play you have.

Follow the steering column until it connects to the power steering box. Look on the top and you will see a nut with a hex screw inside of it. Get a socket and loosen the nut (just back it off the steering box).

Now you are ready for the adjustment. Hold the nut in place (I used a crow-foot wrench) and turn the hex screw clockwise (this pushes the screw further into the steering box). I made about 3 turns. Then tighten down the nut and check the steering for tightness.

NOTE: This is not the catch-all fix. You should also check your steering components for excessive wear.

 

Im not saying thats wrong, but be very carefull how much you turn it down. Three full turns sounds like a lot. I may be wrong, just be carefull you dont crush it in the steering box.

 

I hear ya Hulk...sounds pretty drastic. Now what was the name of that place that makes the good boxes................

 

Hey, The easiest way to determin if you have a crack in the frame where the steering box mounts is to have the car on pavement and have a friend turn the wheel back and fourth while the hood is open and while you are looking at the steering box. I have seen two cars now that would make you want to have the vehicle towed from where they sat. Anyway I am in the process of repairing my own ride. Also, though discontinued, you can still find a few factory reinforcements bars that bolt on at the sway bar mounting holes that greatly strengthen the front end. If you currently don't have frame problems, I would still reinforce the front end, chances are likely that someday you'll have a problem without it. If you cannot find the factory reinforcement, it is easy to have fabbed. all you do is take two 3/16 in steel plates, drill two holes in each one that are the same as the sway bar to frame brackets and weld a stright one inch box tube from one side to another, and mount assembly between sway bar to fram mounts and frame.

 

Is this the wonder bar everyone talks about? Does anyone have a pic?

 

Hey, I have the EXACT same problem! The exact same car too... 89 GTA, 350. I was gonna replace the ENTIRE front end pieces (inner and outer tie rods, ball joints, etc.). But if there's an easier way, GREAT~!

 

Check the "rag joint" where the column hooks up to the steering gear.

 

put the car on stands and have some one grab the tire at 3 &9 o'cloch and push and pull, back and forth, as to turn them. While this is being done, watch the center link where the pitman and idler arms attach. If there is slop, you need a centerlink. Lok at all of the tie rod ends too, as you will be able to see play there too. I bet your center linkis toast. Oh and as far as adjusting the box in the car, it really should be done on a bench with a torque wrench. Just be really careful not to over tighten it

 

Good tip turningfast, you da man.:hail:

 

I have replaced all front end components (struts, tie rods, center link, ball joints, bushings (poly) ect...) and still had some play in the steering. I adjusted the steering box tonight and it removed the play that was left. Thanks for the tip guys!!! it made all the difference
later
brad

 

I eat less fruit, ohhh you said loose steering, my bad