Should you adjust or replace your steering box

Talking about and showing you what is changing inside a Saginaw steering gear (often called a steering box) when making an adjustment. Also whether or not you should adjust yours or replace it. Finally how to adjust it and know if it is too tight.

This is something that should not be attempted if you do not feel comfortable working on your own vehicle. I am not responsible for any damages or accidents that result from work performed based on the information provided in this video.

[johnduncan]

Finally someone is just short and sweet

[joshuameldru]

Thank you showing how it’s doing what it’s doing

So many people saying don’t adjust you’ll break it

[jeffhall]

Perfect! Just got an 06 cummins and knew i needed to adjust the gear box. Now i know exactly how to do it. Thanks!

[callofthewild]

I’ve done everything to the ‘86 k10 I’ve been driving for 17 years except adjusting the steering box. Even though I have about 3” of slop in the wheel, I’ve been apprehensive because I don’t want it to lock up while driving. Thank you for showing us the whys and wherefores. Doing that now.

[norm]

Thanks for the tip, so many options for adjustment and no word of wear. 👍

[drayb]

Excellent. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us!

[billcrane]

Thanks for showing the internals and explaining the taper. Now it makes perfect sense. I'm also going to put Permatex Ultra Black gasket sealer on the input shaft splines where the steering shaft attaches to take up any possible play from wear. I've done this on the transfer case output shaft splines and it keeps the drive line smooth. FYI, A guy should let it dry 24 hours before driving. Thanks again for the video.

[chrishamilton]

All I can say is wow!!! What a difference that made.
2005 3500 ram with 550k.
No idea how old the box is but had to tighten at least two full turns then backed it off 3/4 turn and it’s perfect. Took me longer to get the tools out than to adjust it.

[DANIL]

Thanks for showing how to do the adjustment and what is actually happening when you make the adjustment

[mitchellcrane]

Pretty much the way I do it . I would only add a simple thing, make sure the wheels are pointed forward when you snug it down due to the over center spot.

[bbodine]

You 'da man!!! Simple. Logical. NOT SCARY!!! Thx for the tip...

[MrPaulsdad]

Best video about this I've seen thanks

[JohnSVT]

Would a bad steering box course a slight stiffness on the steering?

[ericrayblankenship]

Thanks for info saved me a lot of money !! Thanks again

[georgeparker]

Is it possible to have in and out play? I have a Jeep wrangler Jk and I can grab my steering wheel and has minimal in and out play not sure if it’s this or maybe the column

[wdstickle]

Excellent video for sure. Right to the point.

[mattb]

Perfect. Thank you! FYI, 3/16" hex, 16mm wrench.

[TripletDadLife]

I think I need to replace mine. I have tightened it to get rid of the slack, but in doing that it is causing memory steer. If I loosen it back up the slack comes back and memory steer goes away. Only have 140k miles on my 03 too. =(

[guitarplayerlp]

as you say gears wear and if it werent meant to be adjusted the adjustment screw & locknut wouldnt be there!
when i did mine i have the front end off the ground so i could use the wheels to turn the steering back n forth to feel any binding.
mine took about 1/8th of a turn to correct the wandering feel (fzj80 landcruiser)

[jonholland]

Any tips on getting the adjustment screw loose? I have a 2016 Wrangler and it uses a flathead to adjust and is pretty Frozen. I've tried soaking it a few times with PB blaster but haven't seemed to get it to move