steering play

[85fj60]

Is there a relatively simple way to tighten up the steering? I realize that there is suppose to be some play in the steering wheel when you move the wheel from left to right, but how do you tighten that up a little? My cruisers steering system has been completely overhauled, new pump, gear housing, TR ends etc, plus new BDS suspension.

Cheers!

 

[85fj60]

oh yeah, 85 fj60

 

[dogboy2]

did you adjust your drag links as well and are they new too? pull the cotter pins, tighten them down until they tighten up, then back them off 1 full turn, and secure with new cotter pins.

the only other thing that comes to mind is that your P/S gear box may be worn, but I guessing from your post that it has been replaced as well. If it is a rebuild, your preload may be off, leaving you with too much play.

just my 2¢,
-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[cahilc]

85fj60,

The steering box adjustment bolt is top dead center of the steering box. Be careful adjusting it. I would recommend finding out the specs and stay within bounds. To tight and there will be hardly any spin back and excessive steering box wear ??? ... to loose ??? The adjustment will "set" over time too. It is preferable to get it correctly "set" now rather than later. Also get some knowledgeable help if a first timer to this kind of adjustment. It is tricky ... I'd call it setting ... "steering box lash".

Cheers,
Cahil

 

[archie]

hope you saw this thread https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=18543

 

[Landpimp]

I am of the opinion that you do not want to mess with the steering box adjustment, its set when the box is built and it really will not take the play out, it might feel like it but its prolly gonna do more bad than good.

do the drag link adjustment, if you didn't replace those then you will find it make a big(prolly bigest) difference in play.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

I am of the opinion that you do not want to mess with the steering box adjustment, its set when the box is built and it really will not take the play out, it might feel like it but its prolly gonna do more bad than good.

do the drag link adjustment, if you didn't replace those then you will find it make a big(prolly bigest) difference in play.

I have adjusted a couple with good luck, basically its a not much of a turn on the screw once the lock nut is loosened.

Read the manual, its pretty straight forward and it does take some slop out of the box, however there is generally very little too none.

Have a good look while someone turns the wheel for you very slowly and you may see some backlash.

 

[TMAN_FJ60]

then back them off 1 full turn, and secure with new cotter pins.

For some reason I'm thinkings its less than that, maybe 1/4 turn?


oooooops! never mind, silly me. I decided to pick up the FSM laying by my foot and check, and lo and behold:
"
3. Tighten the plug down completely. Be sure that the spring seat and bolt seat come into contact.

4.Loosen the plug one and one a third turns. Spring seat and bolt clearance : 2.0 mm (0.079 in.)

"

so just stick your magic ruler in there and measure the clearance!

 

[cahilc]

...
I am of the opinion that you do not want to mess with the steering box adjustment, its set when the box is built and it really will not take the play out, it might feel like it but its prolly gonna do more bad than good ...

I whole heartily agree with LandPimp's assessment of the situation ... he expressed what I was trying to convey.

There are bascailly two reason I won't drive a car/truck.
- Bad steering
- Bad brakes

Tool with these systems very carefully.

Cheers,
Cahil