Author Topic: Steering box input shaft adjustment?  (Read 3489 times)

Offline RCCDrew

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Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« on: June 02, 2014 - 10:16:55 PM »
Has anyone done this adjustment to a power steering chuck? Just rebuilt my front suspension and the box now seems to have play with the input shaft moving forward and back while turning the steering wheel.

Hoping I can do this in car to save myself some trouble.




Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2014 - 03:45:12 PM »
No one?

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2014 - 07:23:36 PM »
never heard of anything referred to as a "power steering chuck"...
can't envision what your referring to "the input shaft moving forward and back"
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2014 - 12:25:44 AM »
The chuck was Chrysler's term for a steering box; like the term propshaft.

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2014 - 12:59:45 AM »
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline dutch

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2014 - 02:46:49 AM »
My box does the same. Raises the question; what`s a rebuild on these things..?  I "rebuilt" mine, replaced bearings, seals, rings etc, but I think the only way to get rid of this particular problem is to shim it in some way or replace all internals. I haven`t taken it apart again, but the only thing I can think of is there must be wear to either the wormgear or housing ,allowing the worm to push up before engaging. I tried to adjust this, but that didn`t help.
I`m a blacksmith, no mechanic so maybe I did something wrong. hmm...Maybe I should try the BFH approach  :thinkerg:
*** Bart ***

Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2014 - 11:41:28 AM »
Thanks for the input. I was hoping I could adjust it out. I will take the box out and see if I can do anything about it.

Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2014 - 11:50:33 AM »

Is your steering more loose because of this play? Mine seems to be without pump pressure; I don't have my PS pump back in yet.

Offline dutch

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2014 - 01:26:12 PM »
I`m not sure, but I think it`s worse with no pressure...I`d have to go check that... it`s not too bad, but I`d rather not have it.
*** Bart ***

Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #9 on: June 06, 2014 - 09:52:00 PM »
Well, took the input shaft end off today. There is a nut on the input shaft that is peened in place; I didn't mess with that. There is a thin shim that came out with the cap. I think it would tighten up with more of those but I didn't have any. I basically just put it back together and tightened it up. Seems to be a little tighter.

Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #10 on: June 08, 2014 - 10:16:14 PM »
Finally put the pump on. Play is lessened with pump pressure. Steering is now pretty tight.

Offline dutch

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #11 on: June 09, 2014 - 03:39:34 AM »
good info. may have to look into that myself...  :2thumbs:
*** Bart ***

Offline CUDA JAS

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #12 on: June 09, 2014 - 07:58:20 PM »
Well, took the input shaft end off today. There is a nut on the input shaft that is peened in place; I didn't mess with that. There is a thin shim that came out with the cap. I think it would tighten up with more of those but I didn't have any. I basically just put it back together and tightened it up. Seems to be a little tighter.



I believe that the shim is the reaction spring, which is what "firms up" the steering box.  I believe Firm fees adds additional reaction springs, or has stronger ones depending on the firmness level you want.

So if you can find additional ones, you can increase the firmness of the box.

Jason
74 'cuda 360/727



Gearhead: car nut, automotive enthusiast, one who loves hot rods, muscle cars, hot trucks, burnin' rubber and neck snapping performance. 

Just call me a gearhead!

Offline RCCDrew

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Re: Steering box input shaft adjustment?
« Reply #13 on: June 20, 2014 - 08:34:06 AM »
Thanks!! I will keep that in mind. If I find another box I will try that out.