Power steering unit to much play fj40 (1 Viewer)

[bosco66fj40]

I used a JT outfitters kit to put in a power steering unit (out of a 79-85 Toyota pick up truck) and there is way more play in the steering than is comfortable. I tend to get thrown around if I hit a bump too hard or if the wind speed is too high. I have ruled out any other part of the steering as the cause. I know it’s technically not a fj part but I figured since the power steering kit is so popular somebody must have the same problem. Does anybody know where I can get a rebuild kit or any other ideas on how to fix it? I also have already tried to tighten the gear box with the little screw but it must be in as far as it can go because it will not budge. Thanks

 

[pb4ugo]

How did it drive b4 swapping the steering box?

 

[bosco66fj40]

How did it drive b4 swapping the steering box?

It was not at all an issue until the power steering. I know I should probably get a new one but they are so expensive and because they also come from old trucks it’s a gamble on how much play it will have just due to wear.

 

[45Dougal]

Can't you adjust it just like the original box?
Mine had about 1/4 turn of slop when it arrived, but a few quarter-turns on the adjuster and it's nice and snug now.
Don't over- tighten it.

 

[bosco66fj40]

Can't you adjust it just like the original box?
Mine had about 1/4 turn of slop when it arrived, but a few quarter-turns on the adjuster and it's nice and snug now.
Don't over- tighten it.

Yes, put the jt outfitters bracket shoves the adjustment screw up against the exhaust pipe, so I made a little 90 degree screwdriver but when I try to turn it it ends up basically slowly stripping it. I guess the only solution would be to take the exhaust off and see if there is any way to tighten it further or if it’s already tightened as much as it can be. I just figured some kind of rebuild kit would be a better option if somebody knows of one.

 

[SteveH]

@bosco66fj40

There are a number of threads on how to adjust PS boxes - since they wear in the middle (straight-ahead driving position) the temptation is to adjust out all the slack while in that position. But, the box will then stick when you steer fully left or right. So, you can take SOME of the slop out of an old/worn box, but not all.

RE: the screw not budging - there is a lock nut on the adjuster that you must loosen before adjusting the center nut, and of course, having the exhaust in the way makes this a lot harder. You may want to drop the exhaust header and just let it dangle (wire it up) and fiddle with the steering box, and then reconnect the exhaust when you're all done. Your neighbors/wife will enjoy that 'open header' sound....

A 'rebuild' of these PS boxes usually does not include 'hard parts', so it won't fix a badly worn box. Rebuilds usually address leaks.

 

[bosco66fj40]

even with the locking nut loosened the screw wouldn’t budge. I will try the dropping the header idea though. One thing you mentioned that reminded me of another issue is the sticking… at low rpm’s, (800-1000) my PS will hit a block and make a squealing noise as if I hit the max, even though I only turned a little. Would you know why this happens? And also with all of these problems, would you suggest trying to find a new one? I just really hate to hate idea because of how expensive they are.

 

[pb4ugo]

Squealing is most likely a loose belt.

 

[bosco66fj40]

Squealing is most likely a loose belt.

why would the ps lock up/hit a block in one direction randomly when I’m at low rpms?

 

[knuckle47]

Were you able to move the adjusting pin at all?

 

[knuckle47]

If so, possibly the wear point in The center is greater than each end and it is binding

 

[bosco66fj40]

Were you able to move the adjusting pin at all?

No I wasn’t able to get it to budge after loosening the locking nut… I think I’m going to have to end up dropping the manifold and exhaust pipe to reach it

 

[45Dougal]

Yet another design oversight when adapting a RHD truck for a LHD market. My steering box (and speedo cable) is a long way from the exhaust!

Sounds like maybe it's been over tightened in the past.
That adjustment screw needs a closer look

 

[pb4ugo]

why would the ps lock up/hit a block in one direction randomly when I’m at low rpms?

Idk, but when it does stop, the belt slips and squeals. Maybe the adjuster is too tight or the box is worn out. Maybe there's resistance some where in the steering links/pivot. Why do you want to adapt a 50 year old power assist box? Imo, there are better and stronger p/s setups. You can look in FAQ's in the steering section on mini truck steering. Maybe you can use the search functions in this section and in the mini truck section on possible rebuild and adjustment, or sources for a new box.

 

[SteveH]

I have heard of the adjusting screw being stuck, even with the lock nut loose, as yours appears to be. Try all the usual methods (WD-40, etc.)

Before you installed your mini truck box, did you spin the input shaft all the way from one side to the other, to see that the box moved freely and the pitman arm swung back and forth through its entire range? Perhaps you can disconnect the pitman arm and steering shaft and verify this while it's in the truck? JTO should not have sold you a defective box.

Some box mounts have elongated or oversize holes - you might try to move the box inward so that the adjustment screw is not literally resting on the exhaust header pipe.