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Modified JK Tech Tech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.

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Steering lag..How to make steering tighter?

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Old Mar 23, 2009 | 04:16 AM
  #21  
JK Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 21
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From: ontario
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i found this from a buddy at work:

Since the steering adjustment is similar, I'll go thru a quick layman's version...but, you will of course eventually need to overhaul the gear, as the bushings are most likely worn out, at the least. There are two adjustments, the worm bearing tension, and the gear mesh adjustment. First, jack up the truck so the front wheels are off the ground, so the steering is free to turn. Put jack stands under the frame!
The worm bearings are adjusted by loosening the big lock nut, then turning the bearing housing. On the 59 and older trucks, this adjustment is at the bottom of the box, at the front. On the 60-newer trucks, look at the top of the box, where the steering shaft (to the steering wheel) sticks out. Usually a hammer and blunt punch will loosen the locknut. The bearings should be adjusted to get a few inch-pounds of drag on the worm gear (steering wheel), but you can adjust it by tightening up to remove the play, then go just a smidgen tighter..and tighen the locknut securely.
Then, adjust the gear mesh, which is a slotted screw with a 5/8" hex locknut. Get the steering centered (wheels straight ahead), and loosen the locknut. Gradually tighten the adjusting screw in, while frequently checking the steering play by turning the steering wheel back and forth a turn or two...but leave it centered when adjusting. Evenually, you will take up the slack, unless the gears/bushings are really worn, in which case the adjusting screw will go all the way into the box! (not good). Tighten till the slack is all gone, then add about a half turn of preload to it. If all is well, you should feel the steering get just a little bit harder as you pass thru the center of the steering wheel's travel. Tighten the locknut securely, and enjoy the "new" feel of driving your truck.
Also, when you finally get around to rebuilding the gear, you will want to have the shop manual for reference, so you can accurately adjust it. A few years ago I bought a few tubes of GM steering gear lube from the local dealer...The correct GM part # for steering box lubrication is 1052182--you can get it from you local GM dealer..This lube is neat, it's half way between grease and oil. Oil is too thin and leaks out, but grease is too thick and won't properly lube the re-circulating balls. Use the right stuff!



our gear box is like the 60's but i'm sure this will give you and idea, i know that the screw is the top one but this just a quick write up i found on the net with my buddy. we're both mechs and we work on heavy equip. same principle tho.
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Old Mar 23, 2009 | 04:20 AM
  #22  
JK Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: ontario
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nevermind the gm stuff lol, but pretty much all steering boxes work the same and have the same properties and principles
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Old Mar 23, 2009 | 07:20 AM
  #23  
RescueGreen#3's Avatar
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 301
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From: Thee Great Pacific Northwest, US
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Saginaw steering box. Early 1960's technology for Corvettes.

If you don't like it tear it out and add Steeroids r&p system.

Google search c3 corvette websites, it'll tell you all you need to know, plus a whole lot more...
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 05:53 AM
  #24  
jayrav's Avatar
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JK Super Freak
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,152
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From: Aguada, PR
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Thanks for the help guys

It turns out that my low caster was the culprit. When I bumped up my caster to 4.7 driver 4.4 passenger handling is pure bliss

Either way we got some great info on this thread for future reference

Thanks again
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 06:29 AM
  #25  
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 244
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From: Plano, TX
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Originally Posted by jayrav
Thanks for the help guys

It turns out that my low caster was the culprit. When I bumped up my caster to 4.7 driver 4.4 passenger handling is pure bliss

Either way we got some great info on this thread for future reference

Thanks again
When they bumped my castor up to 5.3 the other day I couldn't believe how much better it was on the freeway. The thing feels like a tank now.
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