"loose" steering

[misterfnygy]

My blazer has a loose feel to the steering. Don't get much response or road feel. The whole front end is new. Anything I can do to tighten her up??

 

[shaun89]

on top of the steering box theres a nut with an allen key in the middle, it basically adjust the "back spacing" in the steering box like when setting up a ring and pinion. just loosen the nut and use the allen key to adjust it(turn it to the right). then tighten the nut back up to lock it. but be sure not to do it too much, it will probably only need about a 1/4 turn or so to tighten up. a smaller steering wheel would help too.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

I would first check to see that your steering box is tight on the frame and there are no cracks in the frame where the box bolts up. This is a very common problem on GM trucks and will allow the box to walk around onon its mount resulting in vauge steering feel.

Adjusting the nut on top of the steering box is not quite as simple as it sounds and can have serious consequences if done incorrectly

 

[shaun89]

Adjusting the nut on top of the steering box is not quite as simple as it sounds and can have serious consequences if done incorrectly

ya, he is right, if it is not done properly, the steering box can break which means, you have NO steering.

 

[misterfnygy]

The gear is attached as it should be- with weld in brace, etc.

So how do you go about tightening the allen screw correctly- any links?? Thanks!

 

[chevyridinhigh79]

im interested in knowing this too. my steering on my k10 is kinda loose as well.

 

[jonathon]

My K5's steering was pretty sloppy when I first got it but swapping in an XJ steering shaft seemed to fix it.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

Read the thread cited in the second post of this link and then continue reading the link

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172941&highlight=steering+box+adjusting+nut

 

[misterfnygy]

Thanks for the link- sounds like you don't want to mess that up!!

Anyway- after reading that, I don't believe this would even fix my issue. My steering just seems too easy..... I am thinking the smaller wheel would be the way to go. It drives fine, just needs a little more road feel to be just right.
So- any info on Grant wheels, or another brand??

 

[dremu]

Another possibility is alignment. Toe-in and caster can have considerable effect on your steering. Toe-in's easy to adjust, but caster requires shimming the axle (or cutting and welding.)

Might be worth a drive by the alignment shop.

-- A

 

[WJACKSON11X]

I went to a smaller steering wheel (Grant) compared to stock monster and it helped alittle bit.