Steering wheel play

[Mike 1948 1Ton]

Looking for some assistance in adjusting the play in the steering wheel. I have the shop manual and have read the section on the worm gear adjustment, just looking for some tips from guys that have done this.

The steering wheel has a fair amount of play, meaning you have to turn the wheel a good 1/8 of a turn to get reaction. While driving the truck it will slightly lurch to one side or the other, but there is no feel in the steering wheel when this happens, but can be corrected by turning the steering wheel, making for an adventursome ride.

Any help would be appreciated as always.

Thanks

Mike Fox

St Paul, MN

[Mario Loya B1B]

Mike,

In my opinion, forum member Dave Erb "Grey Beard" is an expert in this subject. Take a look at this thread --> http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=3056

[Tony_Urwin]

Mike, only 1/8 of a turn? That ain't bad!

just kidding, mine was even worse. Driving my truck home (over 100 miles) was a real adventure!

Adjusting the steering gear is very easy. You have probably read the directions in the service manual about removing shims ro tighten the paly, and adjusting the gear mesh with the adjustment screw. Just be sure the wheels are pointed straight ahead when you service the steering gear.

That said, there are several other things that can cause your steering problems. Worn tie-rod ends, drag link, or sloppy kingpins. I replaced my steering gear with a better one, then the draglink, and tire-rod ends to get mine in shape. I still need to do the kingpins, but it tracks well at 60 mph now.

[greg g]

If you aren't running radial tires you might consider them after you get the box adjusted. They are inherently less prone to darting and rut following, and seem less effected by road crowning also. I adjusted my box a couple years ago, just don't be tempted to go to far, as you can over tighten and screw things up in the box. I think I went about 1 3/4 turns on mine and it made an appreciable difference.

[Mike 1948 1Ton]

Thanks guys, this is a great forum for a dumb a**es like me. I will give these a try tonight. I don't think there is any up/down movement in steering wheel shaft just the left/right play.

I'll report back tomorrow

Thanks again,

Mike

[ChrisCoccia]

Mike;

I have a '48 B1D. It had the worst front end I had ever seen when I bought it. I found out when I was driving it home, I changed lanes and it lurched hard left, then right, then left, etc.. The king pins were completely shot. I'm happy to live to tell the tale.

[Mike 1948 1Ton]

Only had time to adjust the worm gear screw, I turned it one and a half times clockwise. The play in the wheel did improve, but didn't get a chance to drive it, the backyard pool filter was plugged and my attention was diverted. Hopefully get a chance to take it for a spin tonight. I am going to a car show 70 miles away on Sat, that will be a true test. I will post again on Monday.

Thanks for the help!!

Mike

[MBF]

If you find that the adjustment on the jamb nut didn't take enough play out and are going to remove shims, start by taking only one of the thinnest shims out, reassemble it, and adjust it again. It doesn't take much shim wise to make a big difference in the bearing adjustment. Good luck. Mike

[Mike 1948 1Ton]

Drove the truck over 150 miles this weekend and the screw adjustment on the worm gear/steering box did the trick, I had much better response on the wheel, much less darting and drifting, I had a nice smooth ride!!

Thanks for the help,

Mike