I have alot of play in my steering wheel, i tired a allen wrech, but it wouldnt turn

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1986 TPI 305 TRANS AM

 

You need to loosen the jamb nut around the allen.

Make sure you only turn it a half turn at a time, and drive.

Too far and it will damage the inners of the box. (so I'm told )

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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R
and 2 POS commuters...

R.I.P. #3
"He can see air"

 

With the engine off (no power assist) wiggle the steering wheel(key turned to unlock it). Adjust the set screw till the play is gone.
Done.
If you go too far, the wheel will not return to center by itself when you drive. Just loosen it up a bit and try it again.

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88 IROC with cobbled together (not by me)drivetrain, 86 (?) TPI unit on an '83 305,CE subframe connectors, Edelbrock strut tower brace, polygraphite bushings all around...it handles like a dream, but man is it hard to push!!

 

Where exactly is the set screw on the box? I didnt even know you could adjust it. Also, if I do this, could it change my front end alignment?

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1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."
"Ponies can run, but birds can fly..."

 

The correct way to solve your problem is to buy a remaned steering box. Changing the sector shaft adjustment will get you to a spot that is less worn but in not too much time the lower bearing and seal will fail and all your fluid will run out. It is a temp repair but not a correct one. That adjustment will make your box feel tighter though.

 

Ward,

You can eliminate some of the lash in the recirculating ball/sector joint by tightening the adjustment screw. There is a self-locking hex nut surrounding the Alien (Allen) screw on the top of the gearbox. It is a little difficult to see, but is in the extreme upper left corner of the photo, next to the Alpha code "HX" that is inked on the cover.



As Aquila warned, over-tightening this screw will trash your box in short order. You can usually get away with just enough adjustment to eliminate MOST of the lash, but don't be tempted to make a new gearbox out of this one just by adjusting it. You would really need to regrind the sector and replace all the ***** to do that.

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Later,
Vader
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"Click - Click - BOOM!"
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