68 Newport. Tightening up the steering

[Biggredd2069]

Guess this would be a drive line question. I've rebuilt my steering pump and my steering gear box. New pitman arm. And some new bushings. I just can't seem to dial out a ton of play in the steering wheel. I know it'll never be rack and pinion but there's gotta be a way to tighten it up to not be able to have so much slack in how much the steering wheel can go back and forth between and 11 and 1. Just have this and rebuilding my heater core and I'm relatively happy with the car otherwise now.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Check the condition of the rubber coupling near the firewall at the bottom of the column. It can be cracked and contribute to a LOT of play.

 

[Biggredd2069]

What would that part be called if i need to replace it? I'll look up steering components otherwise

 

[CBODY67]

Also look at the input side of the steering gear for in and out play in the input shaft on the box as it is turned from the center position. A wear point that can be adjusted with that big spanner ring on the gearbox. That plus the coupler and other steering column/gearbox interfaces.

 

[Biggredd2069]

Thanks. Will check this weekend and start the search

 

[413]

Did you rebuild thI box, or have it done?
Was it adjusted properly?

 

[Biggredd2069]

I had the steering box and pump rebuilt by a shop nearby

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

The rubber part is called a coupler.

Available at Summit

Lares Corporation 220 Lares Steering Couplers | Summit Racing

 

[Rainy Day]

68 power steering cars don't use a ragjoint

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

They don't? Huh - learn sumfin' new every day!

 

[Toolmanmike]

Guess this would be a drive line question. I've rebuilt my steering pump and my steering gear box. New pitman arm. And some new bushings. I just can't seem to dial out a ton of play in the steering wheel. I know it'll never be rack and pinion but there's gotta be a way to tighten it up to not be able to have so much slack in how much the steering wheel can go back and forth between and 11 and 1. Just have this and rebuilding my heater core and I'm relatively happy with the car otherwise now.

Yep, we need to put "Steering" in the Brake, Suspension, wheels, and tires" forum. You are good here.

 

[Toolmanmike]

Like mentioned, You need to find where the slop is. Have a friend move the steering wheel back and forth while you look at all the components. If the column moves but the input shaft on the gearbox doesn't, it's probably the coupler. If that appears tight and the steering gear moves with the wheel but the pitman arm barely moves, it's inside the gear box. Look under the car with weight on the wheels and see what moves and what doesn't. All of the components on top may be tight but the pitman arm or tie rod ends may be loose.