Common questions

What makes a steering box go bad?

What makes a steering box go bad?

A bad or failing gearbox is typically caused by lack of proper lubrication and service. The excess heat causes metal-on-metal contact and thus creates a loud grinding noise when you turn left or right.

Why does my steering box keep loosening up?

Looseness in the steering box can cause handling issues as the wheels will drift left to right as you make steering corrections. If this is a used steering box it may need to be adjusted. This typically involves loosening the jam nut on the preload adjustment screw and turning in the preload screw in 1/8 increments until the freeplay is removed.

Why does the steering box need to be adjusted?

It was my understanding that the gearbox came pre-adjusted, and there is no mention of adjustment in the instructions that were provided. Looseness in the steering box can cause handling issues as the wheels will drift left to right as you make steering corrections. If this is a used steering box it may need to be adjusted.

What to do if your steering box has ragjoint?

If this is a used steering box it may need to be adjusted. This typically involves loosening the jam nut on the preload adjustment screw and turning in the preload screw in 1/8 increments until the freeplay is removed. The other potential problem is the ragjoint.

Why is my steering tight after a rack install?

When a new rack or old unit. The issue here is usually not the new part. However, the new part has most likely revealed that the pump is not creating enough pressure. This tight

When do you need a new steering box?

If your car does not have rack and pinion steering, then it probably uses what’s known as a frame-mounted gearbox, or simply steering box, as it is often called. As with most car parts, there will come a time that the gear box will need to be repaired or completely replaced.

How do you remove a steering box from a car?

Take the steering shaft apart from the steering box input shaft. Look for the bolts which hold together the frame to the steering box. Take off this part of the hardware, ensuring that the weight of the steering box is supported when you remove the last bolt. Pull down the unit and take it out of the underside of the car.

Looseness in the steering box can cause handling issues as the wheels will drift left to right as you make steering corrections. If this is a used steering box it may need to be adjusted. This typically involves loosening the jam nut on the preload adjustment screw and turning in the preload screw in 1/8 increments until the freeplay is removed.

If this is a used steering box it may need to be adjusted. This typically involves loosening the jam nut on the preload adjustment screw and turning in the preload screw in 1/8 increments until the freeplay is removed. The other potential problem is the ragjoint.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle