Tighten up steering

[JustenWilson]

Hey guys, long time no see. I got my M38-A1 up and running like a champ. But I have another question for you guys. Can someone show me how to take the play out of the steering wheel? I hear their is a nut somewhere that you tighten up. Just like to hear it from you guys.

Thanks,

Justen

[TomM]

Hi Justin,
Good to hear you are up and running. The only nut in my steering system is the one sitting in the drivers seat. Now that we have that out of the way...
Take a look at the service manual in the section on rebuilding the steering gear. The Pitman shaft adjusting screw is on the outboard side of the steering box. You need to loosen the jam nut and adjust the screw to remove all play in the pitman shaft then back it out until there is a "barely perceptable drag" felt. When done tighten the jam nut. You need to be sure the steering gear is centered when you do this. The service manual does the procedure justice. I only am summarizing for you.

That said, play in the steering system is usually due to more than just this adjustment. While having someone rock the steering wheel, look at your pitman arm, bell crank, draglink, tie rods. You may find that one or more component is also worn.

Tom

[cmpman]

When tightening the steering box sector shaft, you have to remember that most of the wear occurs in the center area of the worm gear, because the wheels are pointing forward 99% of the time. So after tightening the sector shaft, make sure that the steering will still go from stop to stop without binding. On an older box this usually means that you cannot fully tighten the steering box.

As mentioned already, you will still have to check the other components. The bellcranks are a unique Jeep component, and were a constantly wearing part, as was the center tie rod end, which had to do twice the work of the other ends.

Having someone turnng your steering wheel left/right/left/right.... just enough to start to turn the tires will let you watch from underneath and find the wear. Don't forget that lose wheel bearings and knuckle bearings can also contribute to sloppy steering.i