Steering box play - how do I adjust the box?

[jnoshea]

Hi guys,

The disco failed it's MOT yesterday for a number of things. One of which was play in the steering column universal joint where it joins the steering box. I'll replace this of course, no biggy. However, I'm not sure the play in the steering is really coming from there as when I turn the column by hand the shaft turns quite a bit inside the steering box. How much should you be able to turn the shaft coming out of the steering box? I'd say mine turns about 10 degrees or so.

[Budgie]

With the wheels pointing straight ahead & engine off, put your finger on top of the steering wheel and turn the wheel one why, then the other. You shouldn't get more than about an inch of movement from centre.

Any more than that then adjust the steering box.  

[Range Rover Blues]

4 degrees IIRC

[jnoshea]

Thanks guys. Sounds like mine is posibly within the limits then so I'll change the UJ first and retest it.  One of the reasons I thought of the pump is that on occasions of severe temperature change it has the ability to empty about half a pint of steering fluid onto the road, particularly if accidentally left on full lock overnight. Doesn't happen very often, probably twice a year.

[Range Rover Blues]

Check the adjustement of the box then, as it sounds like the main shaft is worn or loose.

[jnoshea]

Check the adjustement of the box then, as it sounds like the main shaft is worn or loose.

Right then, an update. As I suspected I changed the steering UJ this morning and found no play in the old one, all the play is coming from the box. Now this raises an interesting MOT question as the fail sheet specfically says that there was excessive play in the UJ. I changed the UJ therefore it should pass on that point, however, I suspect that when they see that the play is still there, they will fail it again. What do you think?

The other more important question (since I don't like having too much play in my steering) is can I adjust the box to get rid of the play or do I need to replace it? If it can be adjusted, can someone explain how?

[Budgie]

On the top of the steering box you will see an allen screw with a lock nut, undo the lock nut and (with your wheels pointing straight ahead) tighten the allen screw until you have the require freeplay at the steering wheel. About 1/2 - 1inch either side of central.
Once complete, tighten the locknut.  

This is for rotational play only, if you can move the shaft up/down or side to side then another box maybe needed, unless you strip & rebulid it.

[jnoshea]

Thanks Budgie, sounds simple ;)

[Xtremeteam]

On the top of the steering box you will see an allen screw with a lock nut, undo the lock nut and (with your wheels pointing straight ahead) tighten the allen screw until you have the require freeplay at the steering wheel. About 1/2 - 1inch either side of central.
Once complete, tighten the locknut.  

This is for rotational play only, if you can move the shaft up/down or side to side then another box maybe needed, unless you strip & rebulid it.

you dont want to do it in the straight ahead position as you can over tighten the box,do it with the wheel turned slightly to the left or right

[jnoshea]

Thanks for the advice guys. I adjusted the steering with a little left lock, not really having a systematic method, just suck it and see. Anyway after the third attempt the steering feels much better and I think the amount of play will be fine for the MOT retest on Thursday.

[Range Rover Blues]

I adjusted the box on the LSE and got rid of the play in the output shaft, the bolt/nut adjusts the top bearing within the steering box.

The adjuster is primarily for input backlash but if you find excessive output shaft play it's worth a try.

Anyway, the MOT test.  I'd fit the new UJ and when you take it back, show him the paperwork, show him the new UJ.  That may be enough for him anyway but if he picks up the play in the steering box then challenge him, he should not be finding new faults on a retest, if he does report him to the ministry.