CJ Steering Box advice
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
"1978CJDon" <ddintaman@myactv.net> wrote in message
news:1152993629.829302.55710@i42g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
>
That usually means that the steering box has seen better days. Sometimes
you can adjust the play in the internals, but if you don't do this right the
box is likely to bind up on you.
Earle
news:1152993629.829302.55710@i42g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
>
That usually means that the steering box has seen better days. Sometimes
you can adjust the play in the internals, but if you don't do this right the
box is likely to bind up on you.
Earle
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
"1978CJDon" <ddintaman@myactv.net> wrote in message
news:1152993629.829302.55710@i42g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
>
That usually means that the steering box has seen better days. Sometimes
you can adjust the play in the internals, but if you don't do this right the
box is likely to bind up on you.
Earle
news:1152993629.829302.55710@i42g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
>
That usually means that the steering box has seen better days. Sometimes
you can adjust the play in the internals, but if you don't do this right the
box is likely to bind up on you.
Earle
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
"1978CJDon" <ddintaman@myactv.net> wrote in message
news:1152993629.829302.55710@i42g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
>
That usually means that the steering box has seen better days. Sometimes
you can adjust the play in the internals, but if you don't do this right the
box is likely to bind up on you.
Earle
news:1152993629.829302.55710@i42g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
>
That usually means that the steering box has seen better days. Sometimes
you can adjust the play in the internals, but if you don't do this right the
box is likely to bind up on you.
Earle
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Ok, the adjuster plug is the part where the spline comes out. It has a
large locknut on it that can be removed with pump pliers or channel
locks and 2 holes in it for a special tool used to turn it. The tool
looks like the one used to put grinder wheels in, but a punch and a tap
with a hammer can turn it.
It is supposed to be turned tight, then marked and backed up 1/8" from
the mark, then tighten back up the lock nut.
The other adjuster on the top is for the gear preload and has to be set
in a vise, you can't do it on the vehicle. It just makes it how tight
it is to turn, not how much play there is.
If that doesn't help, then it could be new box time.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
1978CJDon wrote:
>
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
large locknut on it that can be removed with pump pliers or channel
locks and 2 holes in it for a special tool used to turn it. The tool
looks like the one used to put grinder wheels in, but a punch and a tap
with a hammer can turn it.
It is supposed to be turned tight, then marked and backed up 1/8" from
the mark, then tighten back up the lock nut.
The other adjuster on the top is for the gear preload and has to be set
in a vise, you can't do it on the vehicle. It just makes it how tight
it is to turn, not how much play there is.
If that doesn't help, then it could be new box time.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
1978CJDon wrote:
>
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Ok, the adjuster plug is the part where the spline comes out. It has a
large locknut on it that can be removed with pump pliers or channel
locks and 2 holes in it for a special tool used to turn it. The tool
looks like the one used to put grinder wheels in, but a punch and a tap
with a hammer can turn it.
It is supposed to be turned tight, then marked and backed up 1/8" from
the mark, then tighten back up the lock nut.
The other adjuster on the top is for the gear preload and has to be set
in a vise, you can't do it on the vehicle. It just makes it how tight
it is to turn, not how much play there is.
If that doesn't help, then it could be new box time.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
1978CJDon wrote:
>
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
large locknut on it that can be removed with pump pliers or channel
locks and 2 holes in it for a special tool used to turn it. The tool
looks like the one used to put grinder wheels in, but a punch and a tap
with a hammer can turn it.
It is supposed to be turned tight, then marked and backed up 1/8" from
the mark, then tighten back up the lock nut.
The other adjuster on the top is for the gear preload and has to be set
in a vise, you can't do it on the vehicle. It just makes it how tight
it is to turn, not how much play there is.
If that doesn't help, then it could be new box time.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
1978CJDon wrote:
>
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Ok, the adjuster plug is the part where the spline comes out. It has a
large locknut on it that can be removed with pump pliers or channel
locks and 2 holes in it for a special tool used to turn it. The tool
looks like the one used to put grinder wheels in, but a punch and a tap
with a hammer can turn it.
It is supposed to be turned tight, then marked and backed up 1/8" from
the mark, then tighten back up the lock nut.
The other adjuster on the top is for the gear preload and has to be set
in a vise, you can't do it on the vehicle. It just makes it how tight
it is to turn, not how much play there is.
If that doesn't help, then it could be new box time.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
1978CJDon wrote:
>
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
large locknut on it that can be removed with pump pliers or channel
locks and 2 holes in it for a special tool used to turn it. The tool
looks like the one used to put grinder wheels in, but a punch and a tap
with a hammer can turn it.
It is supposed to be turned tight, then marked and backed up 1/8" from
the mark, then tighten back up the lock nut.
The other adjuster on the top is for the gear preload and has to be set
in a vise, you can't do it on the vehicle. It just makes it how tight
it is to turn, not how much play there is.
If that doesn't help, then it could be new box time.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
1978CJDon wrote:
>
> I watched all the pieces leading down to the steering box while turning
> the steering wheel and everything seemed tight. The spine sticking out
> of the box turned exactly when i turned the wheel. However, i had to
> turn the wheel a good bit before the pitman arm does anything on the
> other side.
>
> Thanks!
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Are you sure that the play is in the box?
There's a bearing at the bottom of the steering column tube. It is held
in a plastic disk with a wire "C" clip retainer. Because it is exposed
to road dirt (and because few even know it is there and it never gets
cleaned or greased) it tends to get eaten up and fall apart. Simple
test: grab the steering shaft near the U joint at the bottom of the tube
and shake it -- if it moves more than a little bit the bearing is gone.
It is a GM part and itself easy to replace, but you'll have to either
pull the steering wheel and the steering column out of the Jeep to do
it, or part the shaft at the U joint and slide the shaft up into the
tube a ways.
ddintaman@myactv.net wrote:
> Howdy,
> I've got a lot of play between the steering shaft and my manual
> steering box. Would buying a steering box overhaul kit do the trick
> or am would i just be better off buying a whole new box.
>
> Thanks!
>
There's a bearing at the bottom of the steering column tube. It is held
in a plastic disk with a wire "C" clip retainer. Because it is exposed
to road dirt (and because few even know it is there and it never gets
cleaned or greased) it tends to get eaten up and fall apart. Simple
test: grab the steering shaft near the U joint at the bottom of the tube
and shake it -- if it moves more than a little bit the bearing is gone.
It is a GM part and itself easy to replace, but you'll have to either
pull the steering wheel and the steering column out of the Jeep to do
it, or part the shaft at the U joint and slide the shaft up into the
tube a ways.
ddintaman@myactv.net wrote:
> Howdy,
> I've got a lot of play between the steering shaft and my manual
> steering box. Would buying a steering box overhaul kit do the trick
> or am would i just be better off buying a whole new box.
>
> Thanks!
>
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Are you sure that the play is in the box?
There's a bearing at the bottom of the steering column tube. It is held
in a plastic disk with a wire "C" clip retainer. Because it is exposed
to road dirt (and because few even know it is there and it never gets
cleaned or greased) it tends to get eaten up and fall apart. Simple
test: grab the steering shaft near the U joint at the bottom of the tube
and shake it -- if it moves more than a little bit the bearing is gone.
It is a GM part and itself easy to replace, but you'll have to either
pull the steering wheel and the steering column out of the Jeep to do
it, or part the shaft at the U joint and slide the shaft up into the
tube a ways.
ddintaman@myactv.net wrote:
> Howdy,
> I've got a lot of play between the steering shaft and my manual
> steering box. Would buying a steering box overhaul kit do the trick
> or am would i just be better off buying a whole new box.
>
> Thanks!
>
There's a bearing at the bottom of the steering column tube. It is held
in a plastic disk with a wire "C" clip retainer. Because it is exposed
to road dirt (and because few even know it is there and it never gets
cleaned or greased) it tends to get eaten up and fall apart. Simple
test: grab the steering shaft near the U joint at the bottom of the tube
and shake it -- if it moves more than a little bit the bearing is gone.
It is a GM part and itself easy to replace, but you'll have to either
pull the steering wheel and the steering column out of the Jeep to do
it, or part the shaft at the U joint and slide the shaft up into the
tube a ways.
ddintaman@myactv.net wrote:
> Howdy,
> I've got a lot of play between the steering shaft and my manual
> steering box. Would buying a steering box overhaul kit do the trick
> or am would i just be better off buying a whole new box.
>
> Thanks!
>
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Are you sure that the play is in the box?
There's a bearing at the bottom of the steering column tube. It is held
in a plastic disk with a wire "C" clip retainer. Because it is exposed
to road dirt (and because few even know it is there and it never gets
cleaned or greased) it tends to get eaten up and fall apart. Simple
test: grab the steering shaft near the U joint at the bottom of the tube
and shake it -- if it moves more than a little bit the bearing is gone.
It is a GM part and itself easy to replace, but you'll have to either
pull the steering wheel and the steering column out of the Jeep to do
it, or part the shaft at the U joint and slide the shaft up into the
tube a ways.
ddintaman@myactv.net wrote:
> Howdy,
> I've got a lot of play between the steering shaft and my manual
> steering box. Would buying a steering box overhaul kit do the trick
> or am would i just be better off buying a whole new box.
>
> Thanks!
>
There's a bearing at the bottom of the steering column tube. It is held
in a plastic disk with a wire "C" clip retainer. Because it is exposed
to road dirt (and because few even know it is there and it never gets
cleaned or greased) it tends to get eaten up and fall apart. Simple
test: grab the steering shaft near the U joint at the bottom of the tube
and shake it -- if it moves more than a little bit the bearing is gone.
It is a GM part and itself easy to replace, but you'll have to either
pull the steering wheel and the steering column out of the Jeep to do
it, or part the shaft at the U joint and slide the shaft up into the
tube a ways.
ddintaman@myactv.net wrote:
> Howdy,
> I've got a lot of play between the steering shaft and my manual
> steering box. Would buying a steering box overhaul kit do the trick
> or am would i just be better off buying a whole new box.
>
> Thanks!
>
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
ddintaman@myactv.net wrote:
> Howdy,
> I've got a lot of play between the steering shaft and my manual
> steering box. Would buying a steering box overhaul kit do the trick
> or am would i just be better off buying a whole new box.
>
> Thanks!
Get your front-end on jack stands. On the steering box, loosen the
lock-nut on the adjusting set-screw, then tighten the set-screw bit by
bit till you feel the steering bind when you turn the steering wheel
(make sure you turn it full-stop in both directions as you go, because
sometimes the rack and pinion gears will bind in an area that's less
worn than the other areas). When you feel it binding a bit, stop and
re-tighten the lock-nut. If the adjusting set-screw bottoms out and
you still have play, and the rest of the linkage seems ok, then a
rebuild kit would be in order. It would be a rare thing to have to
replace the whole box unless it exhibited obvious trail damage.