Title:

Power Steering Adjustment

Category:

Steering

Created:

03/12/2000

The problem with my bird was that it would groan a lot when it was cold and the power steering fluid would froth, when it warmed up it would be better but would still pull to the left. When I shut off the motor while still moving in neutral it would drive straight but as soon as I started it the wheel would move left again.
The manual indicates that you can adjust the steering box spool in the car. If you look at your steering box the adjuster is at the end of the box and almost touching the shock tower. I defy anyone getting in there to adjust it and the thought of taking it out again did not interest me in the least. I do not have the equipment to bench test it anyway even if I had it out.
This is the procedure I ended up using, hope it helps somebody else.

1. Jack the front of the car up and place on secure jack stands.

2. Remove the front drivers side wheel

3. Remove the three bolts that go through the frame and thread into the power steering box

4. This is where you have to get under the car on your back and by pushing or prying slightly up and away from the frame you can move the steering box out enough to access the acorn type nut on the end of the box that covers the adjuster screws.

5 Remove the acorn nut from the end of the steering box and you will see two nuts - one lock nut and a larger nut behind it. The rear one is the spool adjusting nut.

6. Have someone hold the steering wheel or secure it by some other means so it cant rotate and with a 7/16 wrench loosen the lock nut.(standard right hand thread)

7. If the car is pulling to the left you will have to turn the adjusting nut clockwise or tighten it, if the car is pulling to the right you will have to turn the nut counter clockwise. I would say you will not have to go more than 1/2 a turn, in fact if this car is driveable you will likely only be 1/4 turn out of adjustment. The adjusting nut is 9/16 and you will find that it is easy to turn counter clockwise but a little more difficult to turn clockwise. I used a 9/16 deep socket and a 3/8 drive ratchet that I had cut the handle short for getting into tight places like this.

8. Do your adjustment tighten the lock nut, put on the acorn nut, pry the box back into position and put in the bolts, replace the tire, drop the car down and start it up. If the wheel stays in place and everything sounds alright take it for a ride. You may have to do this a few times to get it adjusted right but it really doesn't take long once you have done it the first time.


Jim Eddy