CJ Steering Box advice
07-20-2006, 05:31 AM
#21
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.
07-20-2006, 05:31 AM
#22
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.
07-20-2006, 05:31 AM
#23
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.
07-20-2006, 09:25 AM
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
KayakBill wrote:
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
07-20-2006, 09:25 AM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
KayakBill wrote:
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
07-20-2006, 09:25 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
KayakBill wrote:
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
07-20-2006, 09:25 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
KayakBill wrote:
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
>
> 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.
You are implying he should tighten the gear preload screw. That does
'not' adjust play, it only adjusts how much force is needed or 'over
center' torque. This must be set in a vise because it is measured in
inch pounds on the shaft.
If you tighten up this top screw, you 'will' destroy the steering box.
The 'adjuster plug' is the part that screws in around the steering
shaft. This is what controls the free play on the shaft.
I have a PDF on rebuilding the box that has the directions on tightening
it up. I outlined the directions earlier in this thread but could send
the pdf to anyone that needs it.
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)
07-21-2006, 06:45 AM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Actually, that's not a "pre-load" set-screw. Gears can not be
"pre-loaded" as bearings can. The OE I.P.B. identifies this screw as
the "steering gear adjuster". I've had this '73 CJ-5 since '81, and
I've adjusted this "steering gear adjuster" many, many times to
eliminate steering wheel play, and it works every time. The pinion
gear's teeth are cut on a compound angle, and the farther down onto the
rack gear you push it the tighter the engagement. It was designed and
machined this way to adjust for wear using the "steering gear
adjuster". They even have a hole in the crossmember over it for access
to this "steering gear adjuster" while it's mounted on the vehicle.
I've adjusted mine over the last 25 years of daily driving to the point
that the set-screw is now so deep that there aren't enuf threads
exposed for the lock-nut anymore, so I just look at it frequently.
Luckily it hasn't backed out a bit in the last year of daily driving
since I last adjusted this "steering gear adjuster".
Not sure where the thought that this would "destroy" anything came
from, but I can assure you that what you're saying is not correct.
They designed this box for adusting the steering gears to eliminate
play, they positioned the adjuster in a convienient location and
designed the crossmember with an access hole so you can adjust easily
it.
"pre-loaded" as bearings can. The OE I.P.B. identifies this screw as
the "steering gear adjuster". I've had this '73 CJ-5 since '81, and
I've adjusted this "steering gear adjuster" many, many times to
eliminate steering wheel play, and it works every time. The pinion
gear's teeth are cut on a compound angle, and the farther down onto the
rack gear you push it the tighter the engagement. It was designed and
machined this way to adjust for wear using the "steering gear
adjuster". They even have a hole in the crossmember over it for access
to this "steering gear adjuster" while it's mounted on the vehicle.
I've adjusted mine over the last 25 years of daily driving to the point
that the set-screw is now so deep that there aren't enuf threads
exposed for the lock-nut anymore, so I just look at it frequently.
Luckily it hasn't backed out a bit in the last year of daily driving
since I last adjusted this "steering gear adjuster".
Not sure where the thought that this would "destroy" anything came
from, but I can assure you that what you're saying is not correct.
They designed this box for adusting the steering gears to eliminate
play, they positioned the adjuster in a convienient location and
designed the crossmember with an access hole so you can adjust easily
it.
07-21-2006, 06:45 AM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Actually, that's not a "pre-load" set-screw. Gears can not be
"pre-loaded" as bearings can. The OE I.P.B. identifies this screw as
the "steering gear adjuster". I've had this '73 CJ-5 since '81, and
I've adjusted this "steering gear adjuster" many, many times to
eliminate steering wheel play, and it works every time. The pinion
gear's teeth are cut on a compound angle, and the farther down onto the
rack gear you push it the tighter the engagement. It was designed and
machined this way to adjust for wear using the "steering gear
adjuster". They even have a hole in the crossmember over it for access
to this "steering gear adjuster" while it's mounted on the vehicle.
I've adjusted mine over the last 25 years of daily driving to the point
that the set-screw is now so deep that there aren't enuf threads
exposed for the lock-nut anymore, so I just look at it frequently.
Luckily it hasn't backed out a bit in the last year of daily driving
since I last adjusted this "steering gear adjuster".
Not sure where the thought that this would "destroy" anything came
from, but I can assure you that what you're saying is not correct.
They designed this box for adusting the steering gears to eliminate
play, they positioned the adjuster in a convienient location and
designed the crossmember with an access hole so you can adjust easily
it.
"pre-loaded" as bearings can. The OE I.P.B. identifies this screw as
the "steering gear adjuster". I've had this '73 CJ-5 since '81, and
I've adjusted this "steering gear adjuster" many, many times to
eliminate steering wheel play, and it works every time. The pinion
gear's teeth are cut on a compound angle, and the farther down onto the
rack gear you push it the tighter the engagement. It was designed and
machined this way to adjust for wear using the "steering gear
adjuster". They even have a hole in the crossmember over it for access
to this "steering gear adjuster" while it's mounted on the vehicle.
I've adjusted mine over the last 25 years of daily driving to the point
that the set-screw is now so deep that there aren't enuf threads
exposed for the lock-nut anymore, so I just look at it frequently.
Luckily it hasn't backed out a bit in the last year of daily driving
since I last adjusted this "steering gear adjuster".
Not sure where the thought that this would "destroy" anything came
from, but I can assure you that what you're saying is not correct.
They designed this box for adusting the steering gears to eliminate
play, they positioned the adjuster in a convienient location and
designed the crossmember with an access hole so you can adjust easily
it.
07-21-2006, 06:45 AM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CJ Steering Box advice
Actually, that's not a "pre-load" set-screw. Gears can not be
"pre-loaded" as bearings can. The OE I.P.B. identifies this screw as
the "steering gear adjuster". I've had this '73 CJ-5 since '81, and
I've adjusted this "steering gear adjuster" many, many times to
eliminate steering wheel play, and it works every time. The pinion
gear's teeth are cut on a compound angle, and the farther down onto the
rack gear you push it the tighter the engagement. It was designed and
machined this way to adjust for wear using the "steering gear
adjuster". They even have a hole in the crossmember over it for access
to this "steering gear adjuster" while it's mounted on the vehicle.
I've adjusted mine over the last 25 years of daily driving to the point
that the set-screw is now so deep that there aren't enuf threads
exposed for the lock-nut anymore, so I just look at it frequently.
Luckily it hasn't backed out a bit in the last year of daily driving
since I last adjusted this "steering gear adjuster".
Not sure where the thought that this would "destroy" anything came
from, but I can assure you that what you're saying is not correct.
They designed this box for adusting the steering gears to eliminate
play, they positioned the adjuster in a convienient location and
designed the crossmember with an access hole so you can adjust easily
it.
"pre-loaded" as bearings can. The OE I.P.B. identifies this screw as
the "steering gear adjuster". I've had this '73 CJ-5 since '81, and
I've adjusted this "steering gear adjuster" many, many times to
eliminate steering wheel play, and it works every time. The pinion
gear's teeth are cut on a compound angle, and the farther down onto the
rack gear you push it the tighter the engagement. It was designed and
machined this way to adjust for wear using the "steering gear
adjuster". They even have a hole in the crossmember over it for access
to this "steering gear adjuster" while it's mounted on the vehicle.
I've adjusted mine over the last 25 years of daily driving to the point
that the set-screw is now so deep that there aren't enuf threads
exposed for the lock-nut anymore, so I just look at it frequently.
Luckily it hasn't backed out a bit in the last year of daily driving
since I last adjusted this "steering gear adjuster".
Not sure where the thought that this would "destroy" anything came
from, but I can assure you that what you're saying is not correct.
They designed this box for adusting the steering gears to eliminate
play, they positioned the adjuster in a convienient location and
designed the crossmember with an access hole so you can adjust easily
it.