TR2/3/3A TR3A steering box

[newguy]

This is such a great forum to visit when you feel like an idiot. Just finished rebuilding the front end (steering). New tie rod ends, silent blocs, steering arm, lever and other associated parts. This took almost all of the free play out of the front end. The remaining seems to be in the steering box. Can someone assist with whatever the perscribed adjustment method might be. Or if there are other things I should be looking at.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

There is an adjustment set screw on the top of the box, with a locknut. You should get a shop manual, as it has all the detail about how to adjust, and how much play there should be. Hopefully, you can adjust it enough to make a difference. Otherwise, you may be looking at a rebuild of the box.

This would be a good time to top up the fluid in there, which may be a contributing factor. Details also in the shop manual.

Hope this helps.
Mickey

 

[TR3driver]

There are also shims under the front cover of the box, to adjust the end play.

However, neither of the adjustments is really intended to compensate for wear. If the box is worn, the only solution is to rebuild it, and replace the worn parts. Just replacing the peg, bushing (and seal) made a huge difference in my TR3A; one of those "Why didn't I do that sooner?" experiences.

It also convinced me that trying to compensate for wear by pulling up the adjustments is a Bad Idea.