Thread: Play in steering box

Not necessarily. Check that the pitman arm is tight on its shaft - it usually is (very), check that the free play is not in the tie rod end on the pitman arm (quite likely, can be replaced in situ), or perhaps most likely, that the free play is not due to wear on the splines of the bottom universal joint on the steering column. If there is any doubt, remove it and examine for wear.

John

Thanks

I do have a new pitman arm and ball joint to replace the old one
The pitman arm ball joint did not look it's best so I just got a new arm and ball joint

So I should replace and then check again


Cheers

Although awkward to do, it may be easier to just replace the ball joint than the pitman arm - these are often extremely difficult to remove unless you have a very good hydraulic puller.

John

get some one to wiggle the wheel then look at every thing, shaft going into the box. shaft coming out of the box, pitman arm then ball joint next joint and then the tyerod joints. report back

Just a heads up,never for any reason adjust the pre-load on the steering box EVER.If you get it wrong,and thats a positive,the worm will bind on the rack leaving you with locked steering,the juddering Reads felt with his means he was on his way for that to happen,steering box's are something tinkerers should not tinker with. Pat

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Although awkward to do, it may be easier to just replace the ball joint than the pitman arm - these are often extremely difficult to remove unless you have a very good hydraulic puller.

John

Ok got wife to wiggle steering wheel and play into the steering box and but nothing out the other side. Not moving at all under it so play in the box.

Whats the steering shaft uni like?,what about the slip joint?. Pat

Originally Posted by PAT303

Whats the steering shaft uni like?,what about the slip joint?. Pat

Steering shaft is new

You can see the shaft and spline on the upside of steering box moving but not moving anything under the steering box
Move about 1/8 turn before turning the steering