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Power steering set screw?

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Offline BRD HNTR

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Power steering set screw?
« on: November 16, 2008, 07:47:43 PM »
On the power steering unit, what does the Screw on top with the lock nut do?  And what would the proper setting be?

I just installed a PS unit, and the screw is loose as is the lock nut.  The screw does not seem to go in or out when turned.  Is this a problem?
It appears to work.
93 Tracker,XL7 springs & 1" raised spring pads in front with YJ springs in back, home built bumpers rear & front (w/winch), 2" x 4" rock tubes,  ARB front & rear, converted Sami rear to IFS, 33x12.5x15  aluminum rims, roll cage, 2.7L w/5 speed auto.

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Offline Merlin93

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Re: Power steering set screw?
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2008, 08:32:23 PM »
Both manual and power steering boxes have an adjustment screw (with a locknut) that controls steering tightness. It is used to compensate for wear in the steering gear. The proper setting can be made or tested with the steering at full lock (left or right). The screw is made barely finger tight. All the wear is concentrated in the straight-ahead position, so it is way too easy to over-tighten the adjustment, causing the steering to bind anywhere but centered, or worse yet, break something irreparably.

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Offline urbanwheeler

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Re: Power steering set screw?
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2008, 11:26:05 AM »
I wish I knew this when I had my tracker, as the steering started off tight, and later got about an inch of play in the steering wheel. But then the transmission broke, and I sold it.
Runnin' it stock with 225/75R15s and an unmodified 8valve TBI motor (I need a doug thoroley header and a cam) (more power) (1.6 liters of madness) (vroom + sewing machine sounds)

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Offline BIG DOG

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Re: Power steering set screw?
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2008, 06:19:01 PM »
Both manual and power steering boxes have an adjustment screw (with a locknut) that controls steering tightness. It is used to compensate for wear in the steering gear. The proper setting can be made or tested with the steering at full lock (left or right). The screw is made barely finger tight. All the wear is concentrated in the straight-ahead position, so it is way too easy to over-tighten the adjustment, causing the steering to bind anywhere but centered, or worse yet, break something irreparably.

So what your saying is turn the wheel all the way left or right then tighten up the center screw finger tight ?(righty tighty lefty loosey I asume?)Kind of hard to tighten the center screw with your fingers but how about with a screwdriver until snug then back off just a little? Or is there a better way?
Thanks!
Some of the dumbest people I know seem to know everything.........Funny about that!

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Offline idaholwb

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Re: Power steering set screw?
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2008, 07:46:02 PM »
 Don't tighten it snug. Turn it with a screw driver till the screw stops. Using no force. then adjust the screw back almost 1/8th of a turn. Hold the screw still and lock the nut down.
97 Sport
265/70-16s
2" lift
2.0 swap
I know...Pretty boring... FOR NOW...

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Offline BRD HNTR

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Re: Power steering set screw?
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2008, 07:55:45 PM »
As it turned out, the steering unit and set screw were both stripped.  So I replaced the set screw (and the new one almost held) turned hard left, turned the screw as much as it would hold and welded the nut to case.  No more wander in wheel.  If it develops slop, I will need another unit or weld it shut, drill and tap it (its nice to have a welder).
Now I need to get an alignment.
Thanks for the information.
93 Tracker,XL7 springs & 1" raised spring pads in front with YJ springs in back, home built bumpers rear & front (w/winch), 2" x 4" rock tubes,  ARB front & rear, converted Sami rear to IFS, 33x12.5x15  aluminum rims, roll cage, 2.7L w/5 speed auto.