Steering Play

[Tom F OHIO]

When you have some play in the steering wheel which of the 3 adjustments is this called.
Thanks....

[wingski]

I don't know. Loose nut adjustment. Bad driver adjustment. Normal steering, don't adjust.

[Patrick L.]

First things first, which box are you referring to.

If a 2 tooth, just get the service bulletins and follow the instructions. Its not that hard and doesn't take that long. It can be done while the box is in the vehicle.

[Tom F OHIO]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

First things first, which box are you referring to.

If a 2 tooth, just get the service bulletins and follow the instructions. Its not that hard and doesn't take that long. It can be done while the box is in the vehicle.

Its a 1930. I have both books. I just would like to know what this adjustment is called since there are three of them.
Thanks, Tom...

[Y-Blockhead]

I adjust all three whenever I adjust the two tooth steering box. As Patrick said, It's not that hard. It even suggest so in the 'Red Book', page 2-15, "When it is necessary to make any one of the adjustments to the 2 tooth sector steering, the other two should also be checked".

I believe the one you are inquiring about is the "Sector Worm Mesh Adjustment". But I suspect that the end play may contribute to looseness also...

[Art Newland]

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How much play do you have, some is pretty normal.

[1931 flamingo]

Actually, are there not FOUR adjustments??
Paul in CT

[Tom F OHIO]

Originally Posted by Art Newland

How much play do you have, some is pretty normal.

I will measure it tomorrow and let you know.

[Art Newland]

My coupe has about an inch while centered going down the road.

[Patrick L.]

Yep, there are actually 4 adjustments. These should be done in order and if an adjustment is made then they should all be checked/adjusted again.

About an 1" to 1.5" is good. JMHO.

[RonC]

Originally Posted by Tom F OHIO

Its a 1930. I have both books. I just would like to know what this adjustment is called since there are three of them.
Thanks, Tom...

Tom,

Unless your removing the box from the car, only 2 adjustments should be made. The first is the steering sector end play. The large screw with lock nut on the side of the box. Follow the service bulletins not to tight or it will bind and not too loose or it will leak. The last adjustment is the sector to worm, the 4 cover nuts.

Remove the steering link from the pitman arm while making the 2 adjustments. It's a 2 person project with 1 under the car wiggling the Pitnam arm.

Also never touch the large screw at the bottom, known as the centralization adjustment, unless you have replaced the internal parts. If initially adjusted correctly the adjustment should never change. The top bearing adjustment bolt at the top should not need adjustment either unless the box has been apart.

[Tom F OHIO]

Originally Posted by Art Newland

How much play do you have, some is pretty normal.

Art, I went out and measured it and I was surprised that I only had about
11/2" movement. I guess this is pretty normal for a steering column that has never been rebuilt.
Thanks to everyone that responded. I will print this off and will save it for
future use.
Tom......