Loose steering box '97 Challenger

[LSaupe]

I have relatively sloppy steering (steering wheel side to side (rotational) play) of about +/- 10 degrees, before I gain authority over the nozzle.

Is is typical, and are there are way to tighten this up? Looking at the outide of the gearbox it appears that the slop is from within the gearbox itself (cables and nozzle end are fine - little if any slop there).

 

[Dr Honda]

It should be a little tighter. I don't know if it's adjustable or not. (never tried) The steering bax is made by Teleflex, so the parts are available.

 

[jsoulier]

Hey, was just wondering if you figured out how to tighten up the nozzle, I'm having the same issue.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jordan

 

[LSaupe]

Hey, was just wondering if you figured out how to tighten up the nozzle, I'm having the same issue.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jordan

Nope, not yet, though my problem is with the steering box itself. Nozzle end is o.k.

 

[mrclick]

I had the same problem with my speedster. Went to the hardware store and got a couple of delrin/plastic washers. Took the top cover off of the steering box(4 hex head screws). You'll notice that if you push up from the bottom of the assembly (the part that rotates to pull the cables) it will have a lot of vertical movement. This has a wobble effect and creates the play. Applied a ton of Vaseline to the washer and set it on top over the shaft/gear just under the lid to prevent the movement up and down. Voila! Tight steering. Took almost all of the play out. A new box isn't available for my boat so had to come up with something. Cheap 10 min' fix.

 

[LSaupe]

I had the same problem with my speedster. Went to the hardware store and got a couple of delrin/plastic washers. Took the top cover off of the steering box(4 hex head screws). You'll notice that if you push up from the bottom of the assembly (the part that rotates to pull the cables) it will have a lot of vertical movement. This has a wobble effect and creates the play. Applied a ton of Vaseline to the washer and set it on top over the shaft/gear just under the lid to prevent the movement up and down. Voila! Tight steering. Took almost all of the play out. A new box isn't available for my boat so had to come up with something. Cheap 10 min' fix.

I will look into that. Sounds like a great fix.

Many thanks!

Larry S.