ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: randy mohawk on April 08, 2012, 05:48:05 AM
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My steering has never been tight on my 87 sammy with 31" tires , even though it has A drop pitman arm with new tie rod ends and drag link for high steering .The steering wheel has play, if I held my hand at 12 o'clock I could turn it to close to 2 o'clock and back to almost 10 o'clock without moving the wheel . What can be done to tighten it up and get a more direct feel?
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If it is like the sidekick,there is a nut on top of the steering box .With a stud with a screw slot .Hold with a screwdriver and break nut loose.Turn in clockwise.Then re-tighten holding with the screw driver.Turn about 1/4 at a time and recheck.Do not over do it.
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As Airdale stated, that is the way to adjust the free play in the steering box. Years ago I read that you need to have a friend turn the steering wheel as you remove the freeplay at the box, otherwise you can possibly damage the box. I believe that it can bind, if you don't crank the wheel while it is adjusted.
Also, check the steering coupler. Unbolt it and inspect it for tears. I recently had one that was literally ripped throughout, but it was not visible with it installed.
A panhard bar will also help a lot.
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Thanks Airdale for the right advice , I put just a tad more than a 1/4 turn and all is well with my steering no more white knuckles. Also it would probably be a good time to check and top off your steering box oil.
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Very timely thread. I was just thinking about doing this on my 'Kick.
- Andy
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As Airdale stated, that is the way to adjust the free play in the steering box. Years ago I read that you need to have a friend turn the steering wheel as you remove the freeplay at the box, otherwise you can possibly damage the box. I believe that it can bind, if you don't crank the wheel while it is adjusted.
Also, check the steering coupler. Unbolt it and inspect it for tears. I recently had one that was literally ripped throughout, but it was not visible with it installed.
A panhard bar will also help a lot.
I've been wanting to replace the ragjoint in my steering for a long time but the hardware seems to be frozen, couple that with the turbo sitting right there and I just keep ignoring it. I know it needs attention, just need to get on it. Thanks for the good tips on steering adjustments.
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Glad I could help.