|
Author
|
Topic: excess play in steering wheel
|
beachbum
Gearhead Posts: 307
From: Florida
Registered: Oct 2001
|
posted 03-13-2002 11:44 AM
 
Have a lot of play in the steering wheel on my 1968 Mustang [289] so I want to try and take out some of the play. It has power steering and I need some advice on how to do that. Can I do that adjusting my sector shaft adjusting screw in the steering gear housing?. Any help would be appreciated. The steering linkage seem to be OK.
|
quinn
Journeyman Posts: 19
From:
Registered: Jan 2002
|
posted 03-13-2002 01:02 PM
this may be a dumb suggestion but how are your tie-rod ends?
|
SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
|
posted 03-13-2002 01:27 PM
Don't forget to look at the ragjoint, too. {coupler between steering column and steering box}To adjust the sector shaft play, loosen the locknut and turn the shaft in until it lightly bottoms. Don't overtighten. Hold stud and tighten locknut. It does help somewhat, but don't expect a miracle unless it was adjusted wrong.
What helps is to have someone turn the wheel back and forth and watch the components take up slack. The offender sticks out like a sore thumb. The engine doesn't even need to be running. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
MCA Member # 47773
Always borrow money from a pessimist, they don't expect it back.
|
Mike65
Gearhead Posts: 2291
From: Bloomfield, NY, USA. Western Finger Lakes, 65 Fastback, 69 Coupe MCA #-04549
Registered: Dec 2000
|
posted 03-13-2002 02:47 PM
Check the rag joint, the p/s control valve, The tie rod ends & the idler arm.------------------
Mike & Robin
65 Mustang Fastback
69 Mustang Coupe
87 LTD CV
96 Ranger Extd Cab PU
99 Explorer Sport
M&M #- 890
MCA #- 4549
www.mike65.mustangsandmore.ws
|
beachbum
Gearhead Posts: 307
From: Florida
Registered: Oct 2001
|
posted 03-15-2002 12:52 PM
 Thanks, I did check all things suggested and adjusted the sector shaft play. It really helped, the steering is a lot more positive now.
|
Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 3237
From: Stanton, Michigan, zip 48888
Registered: Oct 2000
|
posted 03-15-2002 06:02 PM
When adjusting the sector shaft, doesn't the steering wheel need to be turned off of straight? In other words, with the steering turned to one side or the other, so as not to tighten it down while the shaft is in the "center detent position"? Ryan
|
mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 8198
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 03-15-2002 06:47 PM
I did mine with wheels straight. It wasn' too bad so I started with a very slight screw in. After first adjustment, it was fine. Still is. It seems like the PS is often the culprit.
|
PonyDoc
Journeyman Posts: 94
From: Ft. Lauderdale
Registered: Jun 2001
|
posted 03-16-2002 12:19 AM
You will also need to check the grease inside the box. My guess is that it's as solid as a rock! Remove the 3 bolts on top and then loosen the 11/16 not on the adjusting screw. Turn the top to one side and stick your grease gun nozzle inside and pump away. Turn the top the other way and repeat. I then squirt some silicone inside as a lube, then replace everything. You may need to adjust the steering a bit after that, trying about 1/2 turn at a time, then drive around the block. Let me know how it turns out.
|
