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Adjusting play on steering box?

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doc50

doc50

Jedi Trainee
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'58 Nash Metropolitan here

Took the top plate off the steering box to fully remove residual water (which was missing the top rubber fill plug).
Wondering how much to tighten the top adjuster on that plate? Is it like a rocker arm that needs a certain amount of play?
Thanks for any help.

Thom

'Chuckles', `58 Met
 
Not sure about your Metro but typically you would like to almost take the play out at the steering wheel. There is a caution with that though. Most wear occurs near center so you have to ensure it doesn't get too tight throughout its travel. This is probably best done with the front wheels off the ground. Bottom line is, you could end up with more play near center than ideal to avoid being too tight off center.
 
Thanks, Bayless.
I now recall the idea of taking the friction out of the system by raising the wheels. IIRC, I want to feel just the slightest drag at center when it's right.

Thom

'58 Nash Met, "Chuckles"
'73 MG Midget, "Midge"
 
doc50 said:
IIRC, I want to feel just the slightest drag at center when it's right.
Click to expand...


Careful here; Bayless has it right. The drag should be adjusted with the wheels turned away from dead center. The play ("slop") at straight ahead is usually the result of wear, if you tighten that position to drag felt, it may be too tight at full lock.
 
That beast is fairly light at the front-end, so wear at center may be minimal anyway.
 
Thanks folks. I'm writing this all down!
Happy motoring.

Thom

11958 Nash Metropolitan, 'Chuckles'
 
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