Loose Steering

[RUfj40crazy]

So I went to have a checkup done on the 40 to see what all needed to be done before it would pass the Va inspection.
Turns out the only thing that is failing at this point is the steering,

So is there any way to tighten up the steering at the "relay box" what ever the thing is just behind the front bumper?
Thats at least where Ive tracked the wobble to anyhow!

I believe that most or all of the tierod and steering bushings were replaced when the engine swap was done a few years ago.

Is there any schematics available on-line... As I dont have a haynes or other repair manual.

Thankx

 

[DomSmith]

steering...

Sounds like the center arm from what you are describing. Try these links. I've rebuilt one, but it's not a cure all to the front end wobble blues. Saginaw power steering went a long way to help my cruiser.

Center arm kit here:http://www.sor.com/sor/cat096.tam?xax=21244&page%2Ectx=cat096%2Etam I'm sure there are many venders out there.

Steering schematic:
http://www.sor.com/sor/cat094.tam?xax=15593&page%2Ectx=cat094%2Etam

 

[RUfj40crazy]

Yeah thats definatly the part.
Is adjusting this as simple as cranking the nut on the bottom of the assembly?
or is it more indepth than that?

 

[DomSmith]

Never adjusted one. Simply rebuilt it and it was an improvement but not the end all be all I had hoped. Someone else may know about the adjustment. I would guess that if it's that loose, an adjustment probably won't work and if it does, it may be a very temporary solution. The tie rod ends are notorious for adding to the slop. Mine have needed replacing several times to keep "tight steering" and you may need to look into that too. "Several years ago" may have left a lot to be desired.

 

[Quazii]

The adjustment is on top. Loosen the center bolt then tighten down the larger one. If that doesn't take the wobble out at the center arm then you'll need to rebuild it. Another area to take up slack in the steering is on the side of the steering box ( faceing the engine). There is an adjustment bolt there That works like the one on the center arm.

Chris

 

[Pin_Head]

I don't recommend tightening the steering box adjustment on worn out cruiser manual steering boxes. The main reason these boxes get sloppy is due to bushing wear and if you tighten the adjuster with worn out bushings, you may end up cracking the end cap on the box when you hit a bump. If the bushings are fine, then you can adjust it.

 

[Vitesse_6]

I have had the bolts loosen up on my center arm before, It wouldnt hurt to check them. Isnt there a zirk(sp) on there somewhere? Could it be dry?
Good luck

 

[DieselFJ]

To adjust, the center arm, loosen the little bolt on top, tightne the large bolt as tight as you can, then mark it at its tight position, then back it off a quarter turn, tighten the small bolt on top, and grease the center center arm. That should be it.

Scott