How do you adjust steeing gear box tension?

This is on an '89 IROC.

I just had my steering gear box replaced with an OEM unit. There is absolutely no play in it now. But the steering feels like it belongs in a mini-van. I would like it to be a little tighter. The ratio is fine. I just want the steering to be a little firmer. I was under the impression that there was a tension adjustment screw. I just need to know where to look and how many turns in what direction. Any input (or photos) is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Andy

 

Thats a good question. I would also like to know.

 

No adjustment for "tension" in any of the ones I've ever rebuilt... I guess you could take apart your rebuilt one and put the spool valve from your old one in it

 

My website

S.

 

Hey Steve, not to change the subject or anything, but you've got a great site!! :hail:

I've been thinking about doing a site of my own for a while to document some of the changes I've been doing to my car, but GEEZ!! Yours takes the cake!!

If you wouldn't mind, could you email me off board and maybe chat about site matters?

Thanks dood!
Peace!

 

Steve i liked your hell week section. I think I've seen the special on the discovery channel. Thanks for all the info on the site!

 

That is an AWSOME site!!! :hail:

Thanks for the info. That is exactly what I was looking for.

 

Hey fellas, thanks for the compliments - I'm glad you like it. It takes a lot of effort to do that stuff, occasionally it pays off. I've got over 200 more pix that I have to document and add editorial to so I can update my site. Did you note on my home page that the last real update was over a year ago? Sheesh, gotta stop wrenching and start uploading!

New additions:
- Hood 'locks' instead of the pins
- Adding projector lenses behind my daytime lights
- Flames on the door panels
- Megashifter install into the fourth gen console
- Lighted gauge install into the cowl portion of my RA II hood
- Actually having my stereo install page come up
- Pix of my turbocharger setup, with future mods
- Maybe a page on fiberglass customization; maybe not
- Install of 98+ LS1 rear disc brakes on my '89 rear; including e-brake cabling
- Finally getting my friends' pictures up
- Correcting all of the friggin mistakes in the navigation

PonchoTA - give me a shout at my regular email or at the website's email and I'll be glad to go over stuff with ya.

Racereddy20 - Thanks; I saw that same Discovery channel show and couldn't stop laughing. I went through BUD/S with several of those instructors, many of them were there when I went through, and a couple of them I worked with while in the Teams. That program totally cracked me up.:sillylol:

MX265 - Be sure you do NOT overtighten your box (well, wouldn't we all like an overtight box) or you WILL burn out your steering. Too little is better than too much in this instance.

Take care,
Steve

 

Well, I am searching the archives for adjusting the steering box tension and got this thread. Tried to link to the website listed and got nothing.

Does anyone else have the procedure for doing the adjustment?

Thanks,

 

Hmmm, I just tried the link above and it worked fine, but here is the text from it:

1. Locate your steering box underneath the alternator.

2. While holding the center hex still with an allen wrench, break loose the nut around it with a box end wrench. Once it is loose, gently tighten up the hex just a little bit until it is kind of snug, then back it off a little. My brother mentioned that this is under close tolerances so it is better to go with too loose than too tight...

3. Go for a short test drive. If when you are driving it feels too tight, if it won't re-center itself, or if it won't go lock-to-lock then pull over and loosen it up!! You will burn up your steering box if this is too tight!!



Steve

 

Does this need to be done with the front end up in the air, or will it work just the same sitting flat on the ground? I found one line for this adjustment on th Monte Carlo and it recommended having the front end up in the air.

Thanks,

 

Yeah, you're supposed to do it while suspended in the air (sorry for forgetting to mention that), so you can check lock-to-lock, make sure it's not binding, no heavy whining, not too tight, returns to center, etcetera, etcetera. Then lower it and take it for a ride, checking for the same things.

S.