Steering Box Adjustment

This procedure adjusts the steering gear box to eliminate excessive free play in the steering system, improving steering response and feel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering box adjuster screw locknut × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to warm power steering fluid
4. Turn off engine
5. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove front wheels for better access to steering components
7. Inspect all steering linkage components (tie rod ends, drag link, track bar) for excessive wear or looseness before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate steering box adjuster screw
   Position yourself under the driver's side frame rail. Locate the steering gear box mounted to the frame. Identify the sector shaft adjuster screw on top of the steering box - it is a large slotted screw with a locknut. Clean the area around the adjuster screw and locknut to prevent debris from entering the steering box.
2. 2

   Center the steering wheel
   Have a helper sit in the driver's seat or use a steering wheel lock to maintain the steering wheel in the centered position. The front wheels should be pointing straight ahead. This centers the sector shaft in the steering box, which is critical for proper adjustment.
3. 3

   Loosen adjuster locknut
   Using an appropriately sized wrench for the large adjuster locknut (verify the exact size on your gear), loosen the locknut on the sector shaft adjuster screw. Turn counterclockwise approximately 1-2 turns. Do not remove the locknut completely - just loosen it enough to allow the adjuster screw to turn freely.
4. 4

   Turn adjuster screw clockwise
   Using a flat blade screwdriver, turn the sector shaft adjuster screw clockwise slowly while counting the turns. Stop when you feel resistance - this is the fully seated position. Note the number of turns from the starting position.
5. 5

   Back off adjuster screw
   Turn the adjuster screw clockwise until light drag is felt, then set the adjuster to achieve the specified over-center rotational torque measured with an inch-pound torque wrench at the steering shaft, per the factory service manual specification. Do not rely on a fixed number of turns, as the correct preload must be verified by measured drag torque.
6. 6

   Check steering effort
   Have your helper turn the steering wheel slowly through the center position (approximately 1/4 turn each direction from center). The steering should move smoothly without binding or tight spots. If binding is felt, back the adjuster screw out an additional 1/8 turn and recheck.
7. 7

   Measure steering wheel free play
   With the engine off, have your helper gently rotate the steering wheel back and forth at the rim while you observe the pitman arm. Measure the free play at the steering wheel rim and compare it to the factory specification for this vehicle; excessive free play indicates further adjustment is needed. Verify the exact allowable value in the service manual before finalizing. If free play is still excessive, turn the adjuster screw clockwise in 1/8 turn increments, rechecking after each adjustment.
8. 8

   Tighten locknut
   Once proper adjustment is achieved, hold the adjuster screw firmly with the flat blade screwdriver to prevent it from turning. Tighten the locknut to the factory-specified torque while holding the adjuster screw stationary, using the correctly sized wrench (verify the exact locknut size on your gear). Do not allow the adjuster screw to turn while tightening the locknut.
9. 9

   Verify adjustment under load
   Start the engine. Have your helper turn the steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock while you listen for unusual noises and feel for binding. The steering should be smooth throughout the entire range with no tight spots or grinding sounds. Check for any power steering fluid leaks around the steering box.
10. 10

    Check power steering fluid level
    With engine running and at operating temperature, check the power steering fluid level in the reservoir. Top off with ATF+4 if necessary to bring level to the HOT mark. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times and recheck fluid level.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification (varies by wheel type - typically 135 ft-lbs)
2. Lower vehicle to ground
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speeds, checking for proper steering response and centering
• Verify steering wheel free play is within 1/2 to 1 inch at the rim
• Confirm no binding or unusual noises when turning lock-to-lock
• Recheck power steering fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• If steering remains loose or develops binding after adjustment, steering box may be worn internally and require replacement

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle