Loose Power Steering

[mopar70]

My steering wheel has a lot of play in it and when I bought the car the guy showed me a receipt of the power steering box being rebuilt. How can I make it more feel more firm? I replaced the idler arm and lower ball joints recently.

 

[mopar70]

Also when I pull out and turn the wheel I feel it clicking only happens at first.

 

[moparleo]

First, make sure it is the box that is loose and not the coupler. Have someone move the wheel back and forth while you look at the coupler and steering box. Hood open naturally. If the movement is in the coupler, rebuild kits are less than $30.00, if it is the box, there is a slotted shaft with a lock nut to adjust play. If the shaft sticks out with several threads showing above the lock nut, you can adjust it. If there are none or only a few threads exposed, its time for a rebuild/replacement.

 

[mopar70]

When I had the inspection done they said the box jumps around but I have to check that.

 

[moparleo]

Steering box bolts might be loose. Just have someone operate steering wheel while you look at the box under the hood.

 

[mopar70]

The shaft that goes into the box moves around freely and thats what i want to be more firm.

 

[moparleo]

If the shaft is moving around with a lot of play, it is probably atleast going to need the bearings replaced, but really if its that bad, you need a new box. If you have a receipt for the repaired box I would see if there is any warranty left on it.

 

[mopar70]

Do i loosen the bolt and then use a flat head? Which way do i go?

 

[moparleo]

The steering gear has a small amount of adjustment to compensate for wear. If your box is loose it is beyond adjustment. Try to get us some pictures.

 

[mopar70]

Pictures

Here are some Pictures.

 

[H-Pattern]

Sent you an email.

 

[mopar70]

Sorry it went to the junk folder.