New Power Steering Box Sucks

Author Topic: New Power Steering Box Sucks  (Read 1621 times)

Offline -Tom-

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New Power Steering Box Sucks
« on: June 13, 2014 - 05:04:08 AM »

Hi

So, after last problems i have issues with my power steering. I would like to know what you are thinking about....

Fist my power steering Box was leaking very much. So i ordered a remanufactured one from LARES. So last week i replaced the old power steering Box with the remanufactured... So far so good. But since this time the handling from my car really sucks now. At center position i can turn the steering wheel i think 25° to the left and 25° to the right and nothing happens. At the street when cornering first i need to turn the steering wheel 25° and nothing happens and then the wheels will turn and this feels very bad. If i drive a straight line, of course the car follows the ruts from the street... and with 50° of free play in my steering i spin on this steering wheel like the guys from old movies to hold the car in line.
Terrible driving no fun at all. So i knew there is a play adjustment screw on the top of the steering box. I tried to loosen but everything was very tight (strange by a remanufactured part). But after hard work it was possible to turn everything and i screwed the adjustment screw more then one complete turn inwards to the box, till the screw was tight almost. Then fixed the screw.

Now its possible to drive. I still have free play but its much much better to drive. With the old steering box handling was perfect, no free play like a new car almost. And with the Lares now its similar with adjustment screwed in.

Now i am wondering why a remanufactured steering Box comes to me like this. The free play should be adjusted, or i am wrong?? I cant belive it haves to be like this. Does this damage the steering box if i drive around with the adjuster screwed in tight almost?

If this is important; I have a 70 Dodge Challenger but a 73/74 Steering Box.

Thanks




Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: New Power Steering Box Sucks
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2014 - 09:23:12 PM »
Poor rebuild for sure the adjustment should have been done before it was shipped out . no damage will occur with the adjustment screw turned in .
 Have someone else turn the steering wheel & watch to see if the shaft that the column connects to moves up & down if it does they they did not adjust the end play correctly either .
 I would deal with Firm Feel or Steer & Gear for a top quality product .

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline -Tom-

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Re: New Power Steering Box Sucks
« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2014 - 12:52:53 PM »

Thanks a lot for your reply.

So i checked the play and turned the adjustment screw in till the play was ok. Now i have a good steering respond (still not so good as the old steering box) but the steering is very tough. The wheels doesent turn back to center now after a corner. Its not so good also, but lot better then to drive with so much play.
I think sometimes i need to change to steering box by feel firm.

I dont have a up & down movement.

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: New Power Steering Box Sucks
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2014 - 01:12:30 PM »
something is wrong for sure , by the time the steering will not return the adjustment is too tight , can you take it back for warranty ?

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Offline burdar

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Re: New Power Steering Box Sucks
« Reply #4 on: June 17, 2014 - 01:19:42 PM »
There is an adjustment to that screw.  If it is screwed all the way IN, it will act just like you described.  It can be difficult to turn and the steering won't self center. Double check that the rest of your steering components are tight.  My guess is you got a junk box.  A Firm Feel stage 2 or 3 box is your best bet.  You can fine tune the steering from there by decreasing the pump pressure.  Start by getting a good box.

Offline -Tom-

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Re: New Power Steering Box Sucks
« Reply #5 on: June 17, 2014 - 02:56:28 PM »

Warranty sadly is not a option. Shipping from Switzerland to U.S. is more expensive then the box was...

I can imagine the adjustment is too tight.... but if i turn this screw out till it self center, then i have a lot of play. With this play i am not motivated to take this car out for a spin.

All steering components are tight. Double checked....

At this moment i am not motivated to spend 450usd again for a new box (with shipping) and do eveything again...

Offline burdar

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Re: New Power Steering Box Sucks
« Reply #6 on: June 17, 2014 - 04:19:45 PM »
I wouldn't want to either.  I think there are probably some diagrams online of the inner workings of the box.  Maybe you can tackle it yourself?

Offline dutch

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Re: New Power Steering Box Sucks
« Reply #7 on: June 17, 2014 - 04:46:52 PM »
what happened to your old box?  I`d just rebuild that one. Feeling firm and leaking is a way better start for a rebuild than feeling sloppy and leaking. There`s only about $20 involved there... worth a try imo

ps, did you get another pitman arm with the box?  The 70 box has a different size output shaft than 73/74
« Last Edit: June 17, 2014 - 04:51:01 PM by dutch »
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