checking play in the steering box

[dullbird]

Hey guys

is there a way to check if there is play in the steering box of the D1?

and if there is

Is there adjustment that can be made on the steering box of the D1

[rick130]

Twiddle the wheel (or the steering shaft) and watch the output shaft :D

There's a hex (allen key) adjustment and locknut on top of the 'box to tighten them up, but be careful, and wind the steering lock to lock after adjustment to make sure there aren't any tight or rough spots, and if there is, back the adjustment off.

[Judo]

I recently adjusted mine and things I noticed:

Mine was very slack and a 1/4 turn was plenty. Tiny adjustments are wise.

Mark the position of the centre hex piece before you start so you can check how much it's turned after you re-tighten the locknut as it can move when you re-tighten.

The hex hole may look blocked, but I believe it's actually filled with soft rubber or something similar to stop dirt getting in. Just push the allen key into it.

You only need to loosen the locknut a little to be able to turn the allen key socket in the middle. A little PAS fluid will probably dribble out. I imagine if you loosen it too much you'd probably lose a lot of PAS fluid.

[rick130]

Judo made a good point, you'll probably need to re-adjust the drag link after the SB adjustment to re-centre the steering wheel.

[Judo]

Judo made a good point, you'll probably need to re-adjust the drag link after the SB adjustment to re-centre the steering wheel.
Ahhh, that would explain my steering wheel centre now. :D

[dullbird]

Twiddle the wheel (or the steering shaft) and watch the output shaft :D

There's a hex (allen key) adjustment and locknut on top of the 'box to tighten them up, but be careful, and wind the steering lock to lock after adjustment to make sure there aren't any tight or rough spots, and if there is, back the adjustment off.

wheels on the ground or off?

[Reads90]

Off the ground

[dullbird]

So I presume I sit in the car and move/jiggle the steering wheel Ian watches wheels to make sure there is not difference to the movement of them and the output shaft??? is that right

[robert.bisset]

I recently adjusted my steering backlash and discovered after jacking it and having a close look at the steering wheel input shaft there was a heap of slack in it and i could move it side to side quite easily. The bolt attaching the shaft to the back of the box was loose and after tightening reduced the backlash considerably. Took five minutes though I ended up doing the box backlash as well by a quarter of a turn. You'll need to remove the serpentine belt and the four bolts attaching the aircon compressor to move it out of the way. And yes you could easily notice the difference between moving the steering wheel and looking at the wheels.

Hope that helps

[Judo]

IYou'll need to remove the serpentine belt and the four bolts attaching the aircon compressor to move it out of the way.

I'm confused, why did you do this? I don't remember anything being in the way...

[robert.bisset]

My bad, on the 3.9 v8 you need to move the compressor for access not the diesel.

[steveG]

Dullbird - I'm assuming you're checking for play because you've got a bit of freeplay in the steering wheel?

On my D1 the alloy steering shaft had badly flogged out splines. Only option was to replace it.
I had a similar problem with on the County after Cape York last year (steel uni's), so make sure you check the input side of the system between the steering wheel and the box while you're investigating.

Steve

[dullbird]

Dullbird - I'm assuming you're checking for play because you've got a bit of freeplay in the steering wheel?

On my D1 the alloy steering shaft had badly flogged out splines. Only option was to replace it.
I had a similar problem with on the County after Cape York last year (steel uni's), so make sure you check the input side of the system between the steering wheel and the box while you're investigating.

Steve

I personally feel like there is a bit of play but its hard because I have a hilux as a daily driver and everything on that car is so tight..so I get in the disco and everything feels loose like I need to tighten all my bolts up:D

i also wonder whether garage which has done my numerous wheel alignments as moved my steering damper relocation bracket because when I let steering wheel self centre from turning right it over centres to the left before returning to centre its almost like my damper has been put on with slight compression and not neutrally if that makes sense