I have a 94 yukon 2Dr 4WD, that has a little bit to much play in steering wheel. I have made slight adj. to steering box, and that has made a huge difference as far as making it firmer. It has 108000 miles on it, so just today ordered some edelbrock IAS shocks to install for both front and back. If this doesnt help the way i think it should..where would be my next area(s) of main interest?
Thanks Mike
P.S. My Pittman arm checked out good

All front end parts need be inspected and known good. If the front end I'm thinking of the idler arm is a real pill to grease and usually left undone so it will wear out and cause funky steering,

T
_________________________________________

Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Tom’s 100% right here; all steering linkage needs to be inspected.
There may not be just one item that’s worn but a combination of a few joints, adding up to the looseness in the steering.
These possible different component; on their own may not be dangerous loose but again all together can make for a loose steering feel.
The best way for you to check this is with the help of an assistant to rock the steering wheel back and forth; while you’re under the vehicle looking at all the linkage pivot points.
Every thing under there should move as one unit; with no lag, side or up and down independent movement at a pivot points.
Here’s a diagram of the steering linkage and I’ve marked the normal wearing components.



After me saying that; there is one exception; the idler arm. The Idler arm’s arm is allowed ¼” vertical total movement.
Here’s a diagram that hopefully shows what I mean.



You may also want to check the intermediate shaft joints for wear as well. This is the shaft that’s between the steering column and the steering box. They usually have a plastic cover that’ll need to be removed for inspection. This shaft has a couple of universal joints in it; even the smallest amount of play in these joint can add up to a lot of steering wheel play. Sorry haven’t found a diagram for it?

Dan.

Canadian "EH"

Excellence as usual Dan!

It's much like the front end I was thinking of with the grease fitting that's near impossible AND some you need to turn the wheel or a fitting is blocked! I don't hear or see much about what the speedy places do or may have faster, better stuff than I do?? My guess is given some do all this in 10 minutes some stuff doesn't get done!

By rights a greasable joint shouldn't wear out if routinely cared for IMO. In a career I've only replaced ONE that wasn't bad when the person got the car.

Also - some replacement parts have fittings where originals were sealed and didn't have them so if a tech isn't looking hard for them they can be missed.

Just as Dan said about the u-joints in steering shaft. ZERO allowance for play with those! Some you can just unlock the steering wheel only and turn the shaft by hand and have a good clue what's going on for some stuff.

Adjusting a recirculating ball type steering box MUST be done with steering strait ahead! If adjusted with it far from center it will screw it up!

Much front end work is not for the average DIYer. If in doubt get the right help which goes for about anything,

T
_________________________________________

Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Thanks Dan and Tom I certainly have enough to get busy with now. I'll let you know what the progress is when we get there. Have a good holiday weekend
Mike

Thanks Mike! The thanks goes to Dan the site's total pro.

Just be careful - do it right and do it once and have a great weekend yourself!

T
_________________________________________

Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Just an additional point to throw in here...........

You really should never adjust a steering box. That adjustment is there for initial setup when the box is assembled or repaired.

What happens to those boxes is that you wear a flat spot in the worm at the straight ahead position and that's where you find your play but only in the straight position. There is no wear when turned off of center so tightening that adjustment may seem like it's taking play out but in reality, your just moving down against the flat spot and it will now bind when turning.

If you get play in a steering box, replace it.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida