521 Steering wheel play

[hisdudenes]

I have a little bit of play in my stering so im curious if there are ways of tightening it up. I recently replaced the both tierods, centerlink, idler arm, swaybar endlinks and sway bar bushings in hopes of it making a big diference but it didnt do as much as i would like.

[shacks510]

These steering boxes are 40+ years old. They wear mostly in the center steering position because that's where they spend most of their time while driving. There should be an adjustment screw with a jam nut at the top of the box. Loosen the nut, and turn the screw to the right little by little to reduce the play. Don't do too much, or the worm drive will be too stiff and won't want to steer.

[hisdudenes]

Awesome thanks

[mklotz70]

This might help you understand shacks510's description even more with a bit of visual to go with it.

 

[datzenmike]

Poorly adjusted wheel bearing pre load can also add some small play.

[hisdudenes]

I have not done anything with the wheel berings so im not sure its that.

[hisdudenes]

Thanks for the vid.

[datzenmike]

It's usually everything adding some slop to the steering not just one thing. Idler arm and the box would be the biggest.

[mklotz70]

Also check the idler.....a small bit of play in that makes for a lot more steering play.  It should rotate, but now move up and down.

[Charlie69]

Mike Klotz, would having the steering box full of 90W make a difference in the adjustment and or the binding? 

 

Both Mikes I have some friends that pack there manual steering boxes with wheel bearing grease to prevent it leaking past the bottom seal. What is your thoughts on the grease

[datzenmike]

There's a post about a rebuilt box recently. It was sent back packed with special 'grease'. Possibly a 'self leveling' grease... meaning it's probably is thin enough to flow slightly. Grease is thick enough to be pushed away from the moving parts and settle away from them. Wheel bearings will warm from the friction and the grease melt and flow around them and lubricate but a truck steering box doesn't? Car boxes are very close to the exhaust for warmth. Then there's the cold weather performance also.

[mklotz70]

I don't really know.  I just always went with what the manufacture said to put in it.  On the special grease.....was that meant to be permanent or temporary until the gear oil was put in? 

[Charlie69]

They had packed them with grease in place of the oil.

 

Great answer Datzenmike. 

 

I will continue with the manufacturer suggested lubes.

 

If it leaks it needs a new seal.