Any tricks to getting the adjustment screw to turn on the steering box? The jam nut will break loose but the adjustment screw will not turn. Looked a little rusted but not terrible.

 

My buddy just went thru this on his 2012. we sprayed pb blaster on it and tapped on the end of the screw driver with a hammer and it broke loose. funny thing I thought they were supposed to have an allen head but his had a slot for a regular screw driver. Literally could only turn the screw less than 1/2 turn.

 

mine is a 13 and also has a slot for a screwdriver. Didn’t think it would be that tough to turn once the jam nut was loose. might have to let mine soak also.

 

I used a large screwdriver and tapped the end with a hammer several times. It was extremely hard to turn and ultimately I was only able to get just less than a 1/2 turn. it did tighten the steering up a little but not really enough. He has low miles too. I initially thought there was another issue as he has so much steering wheel play. But further examination shows it is the box that has all the play. I am sure you have done it but if you pull the coolant over flow tank up out of the way you have pretty good access to the screw.

 

I could be wrong but I don't think that screw is for adjusting by the average Joe. Folks had thought it was, but it seems I read somewhere that it wasn't for that.....maybe I saw it in a video by one of those companies that does the port work.

 

You are correct. The average Joe will always try to make the adjustment in the vehicle, with all the linkages connected, without the use of a torque wrench. Premature wear is the usual result.
The screw on the gear box is there to adjust the overcenter torque to 4 - 7 inch-pounds greater than the 180° rotational torque.
There is no way to know what the adjustment is when the screw is turned with the gear box installed in the vehicle, especially with all the linkage connected.

 

Funny I told my buddy that and he said he did not care as it was so bad and he needed a new box anyway so he had nothing to loose. I agree I would not do it on my own.

 

Good grief, I don't even know what you guys are talking about on the steering box.

 

I am with ronjenx. When the box is so bad that you need to "adjust" it then it needs replacing. The biggest situation that happens when you turn that screw is the steering will not return to centre automatically after you turn a corner. Very dangerous. My JKU has over a 100k miles and the steering is still like new. Why is yours not good?

 

probably just luck of the draw. my buddies has low miles and he only runs 35" tires. the box should not be worn out but it is.