Joebrick

73 coupe, 350 L82, power steering.

As I face the prospect of rebuilding my steering box, or having someone else do it for me, I have a question for the group.

My steering is loose when cold and pretty sloppy when I back out fo the garage I can see its the steering box by observation) .
Driving down the road it feels fine... not really any play in the wheel, no wander, etc.

When done driving (sitting still) its much better than when I left...so my question is what's happening to cause this? Does heat relly tighten up a steering box?

Any thoughts?

MelWff

Have you ever greased the box by removing two cover screws and injecting grease into lower hole?
Have you ever adjusted the cover screw?

HeadsU.P.

Does heat really tighten up the grease? No. If anything, the heat would make any lube runny.

I suspect the Idler Arm right next to the exhaust is getting stiff from heat & lack of grease.

Joebrick

Yes did both of those things.

Odd thing is its obviously the box since when cold I can see thats were the movement is lost. However going down the highway it feels fine.

GTR1999

Quick check- look at the lash screw in the cover of the box, are there any threads showing?

Heat shouldn't affect the box, other than over time it will change the grease as the oils purge from it.

The box should be tight, or rather have no play, at the high lash position, which is not necessarily the center position. If the box has never been correctly serviced in the past 50 years, it is due.

Bikespace

Your comments leave one bit of ambiguity. Is your steering only loose when going in reverse? Is it possible your A-Arm bushings are shot, and they tighten up when being pulled back (from driving forward)? Or something else direction-related?

If you have ramps, can you post a video of your steering box, etc? You might need a helper to turn the wheel, both with the engine running, and without. Use chocks, and be safe!

interpon

as above worn parts...maybe..
check power steering fluid level? power steering valve/ ram inspection?
post up some pics of all bushings ?

Sayfoo

When my header pipe was super close to my steering box, I noticed the same thing. And, increased pressure would make oil seep past the bottom seal. I used a large screwdriver to massage the header pipe to get about a 1/8" clearance (commonly needed with some headers), drilled a breather hole through the highest bolt on the cover to relieve the pressure, and my problems were solved.

Rescue Rogers

a video of your steering box and the linkage while someone is rocking the wheel would help...If you decide it needs to be fixed contact Gary....GTR1999. Everyone that has him rebuild their boxes or rearends loves his quality of work

derekderek

gary has already weighed in. post 5. but nobody has mentioned the power steering ram and valve.

Joebrick

Thanks all. I have more of an understanding of what's happening. Heat has nothing to do with it.....but rather steering position

The steering box with wheels straight feels fine....with the wheels turned I have excessive play between the input and output shaft of the box.

I have a few threads left on the lash adjustment, however I know this is not the cure and can cause more harm than good...especially since I have no play at the high lash position already.

Just a worn steering box.

Anyway...thought I'd post the end result.

MelWff

Does the centering of your steering wheel coincide with the flat spot on the steering column shaft right above the rag joint pointing straight up?

GTR1999

I’ve had some very worn boxes in where the center tooth on the sector was worn from incorrect adjustment and was loose on center and tight off
The box can be brought back to better than new but it will need new gears and correct dial in